| Previous research has shown that the spouse/dyad relationship influences the family's cancer experience. Ovarian cancer is unique from more common cancers in women because it is typically diagnosed in a late stage, has a poor overall survival rate, commonly recurs, and requires intense and ongoing treatment. The Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation, as well as the results from a qualitative pilot study provided the framework for this project to evaluate adjustment and growth in survivors of recurrent ovarian cancer and their spouses.;In a subsample of 32 married couples; age (r=-.42, p=.05; r=-.42, p=.05), symptom distress (r=.65, p=.01), uncertainty (r=.50, p=.01; r=.54, p=.01) and fear of recurrence (r=.39, p=.05; r=.53, p=.01) were correlated with psychosocial distress and meaning, accounted for 64% of the variance in adjustment, but did not predict posttraumatic growth.;Age, symptom distress and meaning of illness were predictors of adjustment for women with recurrent ovarian cancer and were correlated with adjustment in both survivors and spouses. Correlations between survivor and spouse variables were also found; poorer adjustment in one partner was associated with lower age and greater uncertainty in the other partner.;The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of the experience of recurrent ovarian cancer for couples dealing with the disease. Adjustment to recurrent ovarian cancer is influenced by personal, illness, relationship and appraisal variables for both survivors and spouses. A family systems model provides a valuable framework for future research and for clinical practice to address the complex issues and significant concerns these couples face.;The sample of 60 married/partnered women with recurrent ovarian cancer were older (mean 59 years), Caucasian (97%) and had two or more recurrences (53%). A model of 5 predictors, including age, years in the relationship, performance status, symptom distress and meaning, accounted for 64% of the variance in adjustment, but did not predict posttraumatic growth. |
