Study On Family Functioning And Coping Styles In Cancer Patients

Purpose: To investigate the family functioning of cancer patients and the correlativity among family functioning, coping styles of couples and development of disease in cancer patients. Method: This study was conducted in two parts. In the first part, the family functioning of cancer patients and its predictors were evaluated. In the following part, the correlativity among family functioning, coping styles of couples and development of disease in cancer patients was analyzed. A set of established instruments were used for data collection, including Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale-â…¡ (FACES-â…¡), Family Assessment Device (FAD), and Coping Style Questionnaire (CSQ). Results: Significant differences of family functioning were found between cancer patients and control. The patients with advanced cancer and their spouses reported more deficits in family functioning and more appliance of negative coping strategies, compared with those whose cancer had been controlled. Correlativity among family functioning, coping styles of couples and development of disease in cancer patients was indicated. Conclusion: Family functioning and coping styles contribute to the rehabilitation of cancer patients. The intervention should be offered to cancer patients and their families referring to these aspects.