Psychosomatics 1990; 31:301-312
Copyright © 1990 by Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine
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ORIGINAL RESEARCH REPORTS |
Long-term effects of testicular cancer on marital relationships
ER Gritz, DK Wellisch, J Siau and HJ Wang
Division of Cancer Control, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1781.
Thirty-four long-term survivors of testicular cancer and their wives were
interviewed individually almost four years past the end of treatment to
measure psychological and relationship functioning. Factors identified as
important for couple adjustment to cancer--good communication, spousal
support, and marital satisfaction--all acted positively to facilitate
functioning in this sample. Good psychological adjustment was reflected in
scores on the POMS, CES-D, Sense of Coherence, and Relationship Dimension
of the Family Environment Scales. Several couples demonstrated lasting
impairment, but, overall, the great majority of relationships were
strengthened and couples emerged more tightly bonded.
