For spouses, the gap between life values and the achievement of these values did not decrease, and anxiety and depression increased. These findings are in line with several previous studies that found that spouses experience more psychological distress than the cancer patients themselves.

Unlike the cancer patients, spouses are physically capable of continuing to strive for their goals, so they are not forced by circumstances to lower their expectations. But their care-taking responsibilities may lessen the time they have to pursue life goals, according to the study. Spouses often report a disruption in their lives and a concomitant need to maintain a cheerful demeanor, Nordin says.

Both patient groups rated communication as the most important life value, while the spouses rated positive relationships as the most important. The higher levels of anxiety and depression among spouses, and therefore the greater need for support, may explain the higher importance of positive relations for spouses, Nordin says.

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Contact: Karin Nordin, Ph.D.
karin.nordin@ccs.uu.se
46-18-611-2256
Center for the Advancement of Health
23-Feb-2002