Women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) at or before the age of 40 experience more distress and poorer quality of life than women diagnosed later in life. (1-6) Although adequate spousal support is a protective factor for women with BC, (7-11) spouses are often unprepared to handle the myriad of practical and emotional demands posed by the illness. (12-16) Furthermore, despite the growing number of recommendations for couple interventions in relation to BC, (6,12,17-22) traditional counselling approaches may fail to meet the needs of young couples who have unique concerns and tight constraints on their time. The proposed project addresses the void in the psycho-social support available to young couples via an innovative, online psychoeducational intervention tailored specifically to their needs.
Couplelinks.ca is a custom-designed website offering a professionally facilitated, couple-centred intervention that entails informational, experiential, and interactive components. Six Dyadic Learning Modules (DLM) form the core of the program and are undertaken on a weekly basis. The proposed randomized controlled trial (RCT) is the next logical step following completion of a funded pilot study examining the feasibility and benefit of the program. In this Phase I study, a non-randomized, pre-post test design is being employed to assess the process and outcomes of the intervention. Qualitative feedback is also informing the evaluation. Preliminary findings have been promising and warrant further evaluation of the program's effectiveness. In Phase II of this program of research, we will determine whether this BC-specific, relationship-enhancement program leads to improved relationship and psychological outcomes for young couples affected by BC.
Allocation: Randomized, Control: Active Control, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
Distress
couplinks website
BC Cancer Agency, Fraser Valley Centre
Surrey
British Columbia
Canada
V3V 1Z2
Not yet recruiting
British Columbia Cancer Agency
Published on BioPortfolio: 2014-08-27T03:15:05-0400
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