Couples coping with breast or gynaecological cancers : are there differences in their supportive communication patterns and how do these relate to their psychosexual adjustment?

There is a paucity of observational studies that examine the supportive communication patterns of couples coping with early stage breast or gynaecological cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate both diagnostic groups within the one study in terms of the impact of the cancer, the differences in supportive communication patterns, and how these differences relate to couples' psychological outcomes and psychosexual adjustment, in regard to body image and sexual functioning. Sixty four couples (32 breast and 32 gynaecological) were recorded discussing the effects of the cancer on them. The videotaped conversations were coded and classified in terms of the presence or absence of process behaviours and content. As expected, couples coping with gynaecological cancers were less likely to have engaged in a prior supportive discussion about their cancer experience, and reported lower communication self-efficacy and communication helpfulness than couples coping with breast cancer. Contrary to predictions, couples coping with gynaecological cancer did not experience greater psychosexual adjustment difficulties or engage in more discussions about sexual issues and body image than couples coping with breast cancer. While the Current research was restricted in sample size it still provides a springboard for further research into couples coping with breast or gynaecological cancers and their supportive communication patterns. Implications regarding clinical intervention in the form of couples' therapy and psycho-education are discussed.