Prospective study of cancer patients and their spouses: the weakness of marital strength

Quality of life in partners of patients with cancer

“…While some studies found that the patient's and the partner's level of distress correlate with each other [30,5], other studies found no such correlation [31]. Baider and Bengel [32] reviewed studies on gender-related differences in the experience of cancer patients and their spouses.…”

Problem-solving and distress in prostate cancer patients and their spousal caregivers

“…While it is established that patient and their spouse are both affected by the cancer experience, the mechanisms by which the couple's distress are related are less well understood. Baider et al found that the cancer patients were less distressed if they perceived less stress from their spouses and a good sense of family cohesion [3]. In another study, spouses were found to be more likely to focus on problem-solving while the patients reported using more emotion-focused coping, such as seeking support [20].…”

Gender-specific differences coping with chronic somatic disease (e.g. Multiple Sclerosis)

“…They face a greater burden of caring for the needs of others, and provide more physical and emotional support to their male spouses (Kessler et al, 1984;Sales et al, 1992). Baider et al (1998) reported that the psychological distress of women, whether patients or spouses, was significantly influenced by the distress of their husbands. In contrast, distress in men, whether sick or healthy, was only marginally influenced by the distress of their wives.…”