The Role of the Quality of Relationship in Couples Facing Treatment for Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Italian Study

Introduction: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Recently, the focus of research has shifted from psychiatric, psychological, and social consequences on the woman who gets sick from breast cancer to the impact on the couple. Indeed, the psychosocial perspective has developed the construct of the Quality of Relationship (QoR) that affects the quality of life of both members of the dyad. Objective: The aim of this study was to extend knowledge in this field by identifying and analyzing what dimensions of QoR may impact couples' psychosocial adjustment to breast cancer and related treatments. Patients and methods: Semistructured interviews explored couples' experiences of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Twelve couples were interviewed. Results showed how the dimensions of psychosocial support, dyadic coping, communication, and intimacy are associated and define the construct of QoR, thus affecting the couples' adjustment to breast cancer diagnosis and to the disease pathway. Conclusion: Assessment procedures of couple functioning since and after diagnosis could increase the appropriateness and benefits of integrating existing clinical practice in oncological settings.