Date of Graduation
2003
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MA
Committee Chair
Melanie Booth-Butterfield
Abstract
The purpose of these studies was to examine the impact of cancer on relationship satisfaction, equity, relationship maintenance strategies, and loneliness. The researcher proposed cancer would significantly impact the way individuals with cancer, and their friends/family, view their relationship. Participants in study one were 122 undergraduate students; study two participants were 18 adult pairs (36 individuals) from various Mid-Atlantic States. Results for study one and study two showed individuals in relationships affected by cancer are less satisfied and use fewer relationship maintenance strategies than individuals in relationships not affected by cancer. There was a significant inverse relationship between satisfaction, relationship maintenance strategies, and loneliness of individuals dealing with cancer. The stage of cancer diagnosis and length of time since diagnosis were not significant determining factors of satisfaction, use of maintenance strategies, loneliness, or equity. The small sample size was the major limitation. Future research should increase the sample size considerably.
Recommended Citation
Vandine, Alicia M., "The effects of cancer on interpersonal relationships." (2003). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD). 10753.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/10753