Emotional Burden and Perceived Social Support in Male Partners of Women with Cancer

Marcin J. Jabłoński, Francisco García-Torres, Paulina Zielińska, Alicja Bułat and Piotr Brandys
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Marcin J. Jabłoński: Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Jesuit University Ignatianum in Krakow, 31-501 Kraków, Poland
Francisco García-Torres: Department of Psychology, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
Paulina Zielińska: The Maria Skłodowska Curie Memorial Cancer Centre and Institute of Oncology (MCMCC) branch in Krakow, 31-115 Kraków, Poland
Alicja Bułat: The Maria Skłodowska Curie Memorial Cancer Centre and Institute of Oncology (MCMCC) branch in Krakow, 31-115 Kraków, Poland
Piotr Brandys: The Maria Skłodowska Curie Memorial Cancer Centre and Institute of Oncology (MCMCC) branch in Krakow, 31-115 Kraków, Poland

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 12, 1-13

Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to describe the correlations between the psychosocial burden on male caregivers and their perception of social support, as well as distress, anxiety, and depression among their partners in the first six months after a cancer diagnosis. Methods: A cross-sectional, longitudinal and observational study was conducted on a group of 61 couples, with the use of Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS), Berlín Social Support Scales (BSSS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Distress Thermometer (DT). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica v.13. Results: A strong positive correlation between the ZBI and CBS, as well as between support-seeking and the emotional involvement of male partners, was documented. The negative correlation between the lack of instrumental support and a much greater burden on caregivers, in emotional, social, and family life was documented. The level of distress, anxiety, and depression, as well as family problems reported by female patients, were positively correlated with the male caregiver′s burden. A demographic analysis showed significant relationships between the number of offspring and the negative health indicators of patients and their partners. Implications: The obtained results encourage deeper reflection on the need to improve the availability of instrumental support for male caregivers and support for families with an oncological ill parent in caring for minor children, and to maintain the social activity of the caregiver.

Keywords: male caregiver; emotional burden; perceived social support; cancer; patients’ distress anxiety; and depression (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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