Researcher bios and how their research backgrounds relate to this study
Our lab mainly conducts interview-based research to explore the lived experiences of individuals, couples, and families coping with cancer. Our research has practical implications for the provision of psychosocial care in cancer (e.g., family support, psychotherapy). The present study is focused on learning more about how couples cope with cancer, in the context of couples whose relationships are maintained through the occurrence of cancer as well as in the context of partners who separated while facing cancer.
Purpose of this research project
We know that adjusting to cancer can be a difficult process for both the patient and partner. However, there is still limited information about the ways in which couples across a range of gender and sexual orientations support each other through cancer diagnosis and treatment. The overarching purpose of our study is to examine how couples’ experiences of coping with breast or prostate cancer diagnosis and treatments influenced the quality or experience of their past or present partnership. We are interested in understanding partners’ experiences of their couplehood or couple identity and how one partner’s cancer affected that. The interview will include asking about specific moments that you may identify as being important for your relationship and coping with cancer. We are also curious about the processes that might lead to relationships strengthening or weakening in the context of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
We are currently interviewing patient-partners from the couple. Our procedures begin with a 15-minute screening phone call to explain the study and to determine if the individual is eligible for participation. Eligible participants who review and provide informed consent would be asked to: (1) complete a series of online questionnaires, and then (2) participate in a 90-minute Zoom interview.
How this research will help LGBT2SQ people and communities
We anticipate the study findings will enrich understanding of specific relationship processes for 2SLGBTQ couples that contribute to improved coping and enhanced partnership following the life adversity of cancer. By the same token, findings from these interviews will enhance our understanding of processes that lead to relationship erosion for 2SLGBTQ individuals. Both types of knowledge will help to inform clinical and psychoeducational resources to be provided to various community organizations and medical centres which address cancer and/or 2SLGBTQ communities in order to support gender- and sexual-diverse couples over the course of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Participants
Eligibility includes adults who: (1) have been diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer, (2) are 30+ years old, (3) completed a whole course of cancer treatment (note individuals who are receiving ongoing therapies such as hormonal therapy and/or are living with more advanced disease are eligible), (4) were in a romantic relationship at the time of cancer diagnosis, and (5) are able to complete questionnaires and participate in an online Zoom interview in English.
Compensation
Participants will receive an Amazon gift card for their time.
Mitigation measures
While there are no medical risks for participating in this study, there is the potential for participants to become uncomfortable during the interview while discussing their experiences with cancer and its impacts on their psychological, social, physical health, and relationship. The interviewer will do their best to create a safe environment where such feelings can be explored in a supportive and constructive manner. Participants may also choose not to answer any questions that they find difficult to discuss or they may stop the interview at any time if they experience any discomfort.
Promoting the Study
We are mainly promoting our study via physical and virtual flyers/posters presented through cancer- or healthcare-centered community organizations.