Facing Cancer Together Current Research And Future Perspectives On Psychosocial Relational And Intervention Approaches For Couples

In recent decades a growing number of studies have described cancer as a “we-disease”. Patients with cancer as well as intimate partners experienced psychological distress. Studies displayed that various relational factors (e.g., attachment style, mutuality, etc.) such as diverse close relationship processes (e.g., dyadic coping, communication, shared-decision making, etc.) have an impact on individual (e.g., physical and psychological health, quality of life) and dyadic (e.g., marital quality and satisfaction, sexual and reproductive health, etc.) outcomes. Thus, programs reducing psychological distress and enhancing dyadic processes were developed.

Dyadic coping is a concept that has reached increased attention in psychological science within the last 20 years. Dyadic coping conceptualizes the way couples cope with stress together in sharing appraisals of demands, planning together how to deal with the stressors and engage in supportive or joint dyadic coping. Among the different theories of dyadic coping, the Systemic Transactional Model (STM; Bodenmann, 1995, 1997, 2005) has been applied to many studies on couples’ coping with stress. While a recent meta-analysis shows that dyadiccoping is a robust and consistent predictor of relationship satisfaction and couple’s functioning in community samples, some studies also reveal the significance of dyadic coping in dealing with psychological disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety) or severe illness (e.g., cancer, diabetes, COPD, etc.). Researchers all over the world build their research on this or other concepts of dyadic coping and many typically use the Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI) for assessing dyadic coping. So far, research on dyadic coping has been systematically presented in two books, one written by Revenson, Kayser, & Bodenmann in 2005, focussing on emerging perspectives on couples’ coping, the other by Falconier, Randall, & Bodenmann more recently in 2016, addressing intercultural aspects of dyadic coping in African, American, Asian and European couples. This eBook gives an insight into recent dyadic coping research in different areas and countries.

Originally published by Oxford in 1998, Psycho-Oncology was the first comprehensive text in the field and remains the gold standard today. Edited by a team of leading experts in psycho-oncology, spearheaded by Dr. Jimmie C. Holland, the founder of the field, the text reflects the interdisciplinary nature and global reach of this growing field. Thoroughly updated and developed in collaboration with the American Psychosocial Society and the International Psycho-oncology Society, the third edition is a current, comprehensive reference for psychiatrists, psychologists, oncologists, hospice workers, and social workers seeking to understand and manage the psychological issues involved in the care of persons with cancer and the psychological, social, and behavioral factors that contribute to cancer risk and survival. New to this edition are chapters on gender-based and geriatric issues and expanded coverage of underserved populations, community based programs, and caregiver training and education.

Early stage breast cancer can be stressful and upsetting for both the woman dealing with the disease and her partner. This illness can also place a strain on a couple's relationship. However, couples who are able to provide effective support to one another are more likely to adapt well. Focusing on the couple as a unit can promote effective coping for both patients and their partners . This couples-focused group program aims to improve a couple's functioning as a "team" and provides a supportive environment for couples facing similar breast cancer-related issues. Over the course of six sessions, couples learn support and communication skills, as well as techniques to manage stress and enhance intimacy. Modeling by group leaders and other couples facilitates skill acquisition. With continued use, the skills learned in group can have long-term benefits for couples . This guide, along with the corresponding workbook, provides all the information needed to implement this group program. It contains step-by-step instructions for running the group, as well as sample group leader dialogues, in-session activities, and homework assignments. The couple's workbook is designed to be shared by both partners as they work together through the program. By the end of the six weeks, couples will be better equipped as a team to cope with the stresses of cancer and the challenges that may lie ahead. TreatmentsThatWorkTM represents the gold standard of behavioral healthcare interventions! · All programs have been rigorously tested in clinical trials and are backed by years of research · A prestigious scientific advisory board, led by series Editor-In-Chief David H. Barlow, reviews and evaluates each intervention to ensure that it meets the highest standard of evidence so you can be confident that you are using the most effective treatment available to date · Our books are reliable and effective and make it easy for you to provide your clients with the best care available · Our corresponding workbooks contain psychoeducational information, forms and worksheets, and homework assignments to keep clients engaged and motivated · A companion website (www.oup.com/us/ttw) offers downloadable clinical tools and helpful resources · Continuing Education (CE) Credits are now available on select titles in collaboration with PsychoEducational Resources, Inc. (PER)

With broad appeal across scholars and graduate students in the social and behavioral sciences, Joslyn presents new ideas for expanding relationship modeling methods in a way that unites relationship scholars and extends relational theory.

The diagnosis of cancer is frightening enough for the patient. But the disease has a deep impact on the patients partner and the couples relationship as well. Life is not the same, and a new journey has begun. This book, drawing on the personal experience of the authors and many others, offers a compassionate guide for the journey. Those who find themselves on this most difficult road will learn how other couples have coped successfully. With the took kit offered on these pages, couples can do more than endure the ordeal; they can actually strengthen the bond between them. From my past experience I know the value of support groups and the wisdom contained in Love is a Journey. The groups and book help us to inspire us to heal ourselves and our relationships. n Bernie Siegel, M.D. Author of Love, Medicine & Miracles, and Prescriptions for Living In my work with cancer patients, I have seen couples exhibit enormous courage, team work and stamina. With this exceptionally practical guide, Drs. Latona and Stricklin are increasing the odds that couples will navigate this difficult path successfully. I cant wait to start recommending it to my patients.: n Daniel S. Dworkin, Ph.D., Co-author, Helping the Bereaved: Therapeutic Interventions for Children, Adolescents and Adults A must reading for all couples facing cancer together, as well as for caregivers and professionals assisting these couples. In addition to identifying stages to assist couples in anticipating and normalizing the range of impacts when cancer becomes part of their lives, the authors provide real-life examples to help understand these stages. n Douglas H. Lamb, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Illinois State University Grief and loss researcher and practitioner I wish my husband and I could have read Love is a Journey during the acute treatment stages of my cancer it validates and supports so much of what a couple goes through. But, it has also helped us to identify the long-range effect on our marriage now that the cancer is in remission. Its never too late for couples to benefit from this book! n Janet Lammens, cancer survivor The focus of Love is a Journey is on nourishing the relationship that connects the partners. Gary and Jan understand with their minds and with their hearts and deliver their message with respectful authenticity. n Candyce S. Russell, Ph.D., Vera Mowery McAninch Professor, Kansas State University

This timely revision of the authoritative handbook gives a wide range of providers practical insights and strategies for treating cancer survivors’ long-term physical and mental health issues. Details of new and emerging trends in research and practice enhance readers’ awareness of cancer survivor problems so they may better detect, monitor, intervene in, and if possible prevent disturbing conditions and potentially harmful outcomes. Of particular emphasis in this model of care are recognizing each patient’s uniqueness within the survivor population and being a co-pilot as survivors navigate their self-management. New or updated chapters cover major challenges to survivors’ quality of life and options for service delivery across key life domains, including: Adaptation and coping post-treatment. Problems of aging in survivorship, disparities and financial hardship. Well-being concerns including physical activity, weight loss, nutrition, and smoking cessation. Core functional areas such as work, sleep, relationships, and cognition. Large-scale symptoms including pain, distress, and fatigue. Models of care including primary care and comprehensive cancer center. International perspectives PLUS, insights about lessons learned and challenges ahead. With survivorship and its care becoming an ever more important part of the clinical landscape, the Second Edition of the Handbook of Cancer Survivorship is an essential reference for oncologists, rehabilitation professionals, public health, health promotion and disease prevention specialists, and epidemiologists.