Interpersonal Relationships and Cancer: A Theoretical Analysis

Abstract

This paper focuses on the effect of cancer on the patient's interpersonal relationships, and the ultimate impact of these relationships on the patient's emotional adjustment to the disease. In a detailed theoretical analysis, both the patient's reaction to the illness and others' responses toward the patient are explored. Concerning the patient, the following issues are discussed: (1) fears and uncertainties that develop as one attempts to cope with the diagnosis; (2) the consequent need for clarification and support; and (3) the barriers to receiving validation and support from others. Others' reactions to the patient are hypothesized to be a function of a conflict between (1) their feelings about the illness, which are predominantly negative; and (2) their beliefs about appropriate behaviors to display when interacting with cancer patients (optimism and cheerfulness). This conflict results in behavioral responses that are unintentionally damaging to the patient, including physical avoidance, avoidance of open discussion of the illness, and discrepancies among behaviors. The impact of others' behavior on the patient and the patient's subsequent attempts to solve their interpersonal problems are discussed. The paper concludes with implications for intervention and research.

Cancer diagnosis as discursive capture: Phenomenological repercussions of being positioned within dominant constructions of cancer

“…In other words, participants feared and experienced a loss of control over who they were and who they could be within a social context. For some participants, their attempts to regain control led them to avoid social interactions, thus echoing Wortman and Dunkel-Schetter's (1979) concerns about cancer patients' social withdrawal. Being identifiable as a 'person-with-cancer' was experienced as stigmatising and the visible signs of being treated for cancer exposed them to invasions of privacy (cf.…”

Intimacy and relationship processes in couples' psychosocial adaptation to cancer

“…Some behaviors that are intended as supportive on the part of the healthy partner are not perceived as such by patients. [84][85][86] Examples are attempts to avoid discussing concerns or topics that may cause the patient distress (typically labeled ''protective buffering'') and giving advice when the patient was not asking for advice. Crosssectional 67 and longitudinal studies 87,88 indicate that attempts to avoid discussing concerns or topics are associated with increased distress for both partners.…”

Social support and psychosocial adjustment to rheumatoid arthritis quantitative and qualitative findings

“…Last, there is little published data shedding light on one of the central dilemmas faced by people with RA and other chronic illnesses: how to maintain an effective network of supportive and satisfying relationships when social relationships are themselves threatened by the illness [15]. As a first step, it would be valuable to explore how relationships with actual and potential support providers are threatened by this illness.…”