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http://crossmark.crossref.org/dialog/?doi=10.1007/s00520-016-3188-0&domain=pdf
Web End = http://crossmark.crossref.org/dialog/?doi=10.1007/s00520-016-3188-0&domain=pdf
Web End = Support Care Cancer (2016) 24:37573765 DOI 10.1007/s00520-016-3188-0
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Appraisals, perceived dyadic communication, and quality of life over time among couples coping with prostate cancer
Lixin Song1 & Christine Rini2 & Katrina R. Ellis3 & Laurel L. Northouse4
Received: 5 November 2015 /Accepted: 21 March 2016 /Published online: 2 April 2016 # Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2016
AbstractPurpose Little research has examined how prostate cancer patients and their spouses appraisals of illness and quality of life (QOL) interact with one another. This study examined the interdependent relationships between their appraisals of illness and QOL and if their perceived dyadic communication mediated these relationships.
Methods We used the Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model (APIMeM) approach to conduct a secondary analysis of longitudinal data from 124 prostate cancer patient-spouse dyads. We examined actor effects (each persons influence on his/her own outcomes) and partner effects (each persons influence on his/her partners outcomes). Appraisals of illness, perceived dyadic communication, and QOL were measured using Appraisal of Illness Scale, Lewis Mutuality and Interpersonal Sensitivity Scale, and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy General Scale, respectively. Analyses controlled for effects of prostate cancer symptoms and demographic factors.
Results Among actor effects, spouses with more negative appraisals at baseline perceived worse dyadic communication
4 months later (p < .05) and worse QOL 8 months later (p < .001). Patients and spouses who perceived more dyadic communication at 4 months had better QOL at 8 months (p < .01). Among partner effects, there was only weak evidence for an association between patient perceived dyadic communication at 4 months and better spouse QOL at 8 months of follow-up (p = .05). No mediation effects were found. Conclusions Patients and spouses appraisals of the illness and their dyadic communication were associated with their long-term QOL. Interventions that reduce negative appraisals of illness and promote dyadic communication may improve QOL for both patients with prostate cancer and their spouses.
Keywords Appraisal . Perceived dyadic communication . Quality of life . Prostate cancer . Path analysis . Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model (APIMeM)
Background
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the USA. [1]. Men with PCa often experience...