4 - (SYM 112) Enhancing Relationship and Individual Wellbeing for Couples Facing Breast Cancer: An Adaptation of the Relationship Checkup

Approaches to cultivating the joy of a healthy relationship have been a part of CBT from the beginning. Relationship health has been shown to reduce the burden of disease, and is a growing field of CBT research. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and most common cause of cancer related deaths for women worldwide (Bray, et al., 2018). In couples, cancer diagnosis and treatment cause enormous psychosocial stress to both the patient and the partner. Fear, fatigue, and frustration occur in tandem with challenges regarding attachment, sexuality, intimacy, and self-esteem (Zimmerman, 2015). It can be argued that most cancer-related concerns are ultimately relational – affecting and being affected by the relationship.

The current study evaluated the effectiveness of an adapted Relationship Checkup (Cordova et al., 2014) for couples facing breast cancer. Specifically, this research aimed to adapt the treatment manual to meet the unique needs of couples facing breast cancer and determine the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of the intervention by examining pre-post changes in individual and relational well-being.  

The study utilized a multiple baseline design. Participants included three international couples where one partner was in active treatment for breast cancer. Each couple completed questionnaires across varying baselines prior to receiving their Relationship Checkup. Couples completed questionnaires at six timepoints.

While results were varied across couples, evidence indicates that the Relationship Checkup improved both individual and relationship wellbeing and was viewed by participants as helpful (M = 4.42 out of 5). Specifically, relationship satisfaction and intimate safety either remained stable or increased for all participants after their Checkup. In addition, symptoms of depression decreased for all but one participant. Overall functional wellbeing improved for all three breast cancer patients after their Relationship Checkup, and stayed improved at one month for 2 out of the 3 women. Additionally, participants reported that they had high satisfaction with the Checkup (M = 4.80 out of 5) and formed a strong alliance with their therapist, both contributing to acceptability and feasibility. These findings indicate preliminary support of the effectiveness of the Relationship Checkup for couples who are facing a cancer diagnosis and suggest that further research on this particularly vulnerable population is warranted.