Associations between dyadic communication and dyadic coping of patients with cervical cancer and their spouses: a study utilizing the actor-partner interdependence model

Abstract

There is a growing focus on exploring dyadic interactions and outcomes between couples undergoing cervical cancer (CC). The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to figure out how dyadic communication influences both CC patients' and spouses' coping abilities. A sample of 286 CC dyads completed questionnaires assessing dyadic communication and dyadic coping. The actor-partner interdependence model was used to analyze the interaction effect between the dyads. Dyadic communication among cervical cancer (CC) patients has a predictive effect on their own negative dyadic coping (β = - 0.141, P = 0.034) and on their spouses' delegated dyadic coping (β = 0.133, P = 0.044). In contrast, dyadic communication among CC spouses is negatively associated with their own supportive dyadic coping (β = - 0.237, P < 0.001), delegated dyadic coping (β = - 0.156, P = 0.018), common dyadic coping (β = - 0.148, P = 0.026) and also with CC patients' supportive dyadic coping (β = - 0.153, P = 0.022). Dyadic communication between CC patients and their spouses affect their own and each other's dyadic coping. Exploring interventions focused on the CC couples' communication strategies to enhance their positive dyadic coping should be considered.

Keywords: Actor-partner interdependence model; Cancer-related communication; Cervical cancer; China; Dyadic coping.