Cochrane, B.B., Lewis, F.M., & Griffith, K.A. (2011). Exploring a diffusion of benefit: Does a woman with breast cancer derive benefit from an intervention delivered to her partner? Oncology Nursing Forum, 38, 207–214.
To provide preliminary data on the diffusion of psychosocial benefit (anxiety, depressed mood, and marital quality) for women diagnosed with breast cancer when only their partners received a psychoeducational intervention focused on the breast cancer experience
Five group sessions focusing on stress-reduction and interpersonal communication were delivered to the patient’s partner. The program focused on enhancing partner adjustment to the breast cancer experience and skill training to enhance the diagnosed woman’s perceived support. Sessions focused on stress-reduction strategies, enhancing listening skills, and resisting a tendency to fix or reassure prematurely, along with nonverbal strategies to enhance their interpersonal connection.
Patients were undergoing the diagnosis phase of care.
A pre/post-test design was used.
Average patient state anxiety score improved from 44.1 preintervention to 31 postintervention (p = 0.01).
There is preliminary support for a diffusion of benefit to the diagnosed woman when a psychoeducational intervention is delivered to her partner in terms of depression and anxiety.
Findings may not be applicable to other socioeconomic or education level groups.