Secretary The research in our laboratory focuses on the impact of cancer and cancer risk on patients and their families. In particular, we are interested in social-environmental influences that affect how individuals cope with cancer and cancer risk, at all points along the cancer continuum.
Spouses are particularly vulnerable as sources of emotional support for patients.
Unfortunately, the stress of illness can negatively affect close relationships such that the support provided by family members can deteriorate as the demands of illness increase. Thus, at the very time when patients need the most support, it becomes increasingly difficult for family and friends to meet these needs. The goal of the proposed research is to understand this social support process and to develop and test interventions to bolster the quality of close relationships during and after cancer treatment. Three research studies address these issues. Patients and spouses are assessed at three time points during treatment.