The influence of breast cancer survivors' perceived partner social support and need satisfaction on depressive symptoms: A longitudinal analysis

Amelia Talley, Lisa Molix, Rebecca Jean Schlegel, Ann Bettencourt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

59 Scopus citations

Abstract

The present study examines the ways in which breast cancer survivors' perceptions of emotional and instrumental social support from an intimate partner and need satisfaction in their partner role influence depression during and after breast cancer treatment. Our sample was comprised of 163 women who were an average of 57 years old, mostly White/Caucasian, and diagnosed primarily with early-stage breast cancer. Longitudinal data were analysed using both multilevel and structural equation modelling. Results reveal that (a) greater perceived partner emotional support is associated with lowered levels of depression at each wave, (b) partner-role need satisfaction mediates the relationship between perceived partner emotional support and depression at each wave, (c) perceived partner emotional support predicts subsequent changes in depression by way of need satisfaction and (d) depression prospectively predicts lowered perceptions of partner emotional and instrumental support. The findings confirm that basic need satisfaction, within intimate relationships, is an important predictor of lowered depression among breast cancer survivors.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)433-449
Number of pages17
JournalPsychology and Health
Volume25
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2010

Keywords

  • Breast cancer
  • Depression
  • Need satisfaction
  • Social support

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