Coping and Support Networks in Couples who Survived Cervical Cancer

Abstract

Illness due to cervical cancer has significant repercussions on the lives of patients, as well as their spouses/partners. To cope with this process, these couples can develop coping strategies that include or not conjugality. The purpose of this multiple case study was to know the main sources of support and coping strategies developed by couples in whom the wife underwent treatment for cervical cancer. The evidence was produced from three case studies, using individual interviews with each spouse and also with the couple. The transcribed interviews were analyzed by Positive Psychology. The family was considered the main support network. The coping strategies most used were the re-signification of the problem and the religious/spiritual support. Religiosity/spirituality allowed the construction of meanings about becoming ill and the attribution of a sense of gratitude as a result of the learning generated by this painful process. It is important to recognize this aspects to develop interventions that are in line with the experiences of couples and to provide adequate care.