Couples Facing Skin Cancer in Old Age: A Dyadic Investigation of Partner Support and Quality of Life

Abstract

This study investigated perceived support received by partners and its association with quality of life (QOL) in older couples facing skin cancer. Thirty couples (n = 60; M _Age= 70) in which one partner had a skin cancer diagnosis (PwSC) completed either online or paper surveys about their skin cancer diagnosis, perceived partner support, and overall QOL. Actor–partner interdependence models revealed that when PwSCs reported overprotection from their healthy partners (HPs), they were more likely to report lower QOL. Protective buffering received by HPs was negatively associated with their QOL as well as their PwSCs QOL. Active engagement support, however, was not associated with either partner’s QOL. While couples may use all three styles of relationship-focused support, protective buffering and overprotection affected each partner’s QOL. Implications of the study findings for interventions for couples facing illnesses like skin cancer are discussed.

Keywords

aging cancer caregivers dyads interpersonal relationships

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