Cochrane, B.B., Lewis, F.M., & Griffith, K.A. (2011). Exploring a diffusion of benefit: Does a woman with breast cancer derive benefit from an intervention delivered to her partner? Oncology Nursing Forum, 38, 207–214.

To provide preliminary data on the diffusion of psychosocial benefit (anxiety, depressed mood, and marital quality) for women diagnosed with breast cancer when only their partners received a psychoeducational intervention focused on the breast cancer experience

Five group sessions focusing on stress-reduction and interpersonal communication were delivered to the patient’s partner. The program focused on enhancing partner adjustment to the breast cancer experience and skill training to enhance the diagnosed woman’s perceived support. Sessions focused on stress-reduction strategies, enhancing listening skills, and resisting a tendency to fix or reassure prematurely, along with nonverbal strategies to enhance their interpersonal connection.

• The study reported on a sample of nine patients and their partners.
• Mean patient age was 52.7 years (range = 32–69 years); mean partner age was 56.2 years (range = 37–68 years).
• The sample was 100% female.
• Patients had local or regional (stages 0–III) breast cancer. Time since breast cancer diagnosis was an average of 4.5 months.
• All participants were Caucasian and had a total household income of more than $80,000 per year.
• Average total years in the relationship was 26.7 (range = 5–44).

• Single site
• Outpatient clinic
• Pacific Northwest region of the United States

Patients were undergoing the diagnosis phase of care.

A pre/post-test design was used.

• Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Form Y – state anxiety subscale
• Center for Epidemiologic Studies – Depression scale (CES-D)
• Dyadic Adjustment Scale – 32-item test to measure marital quality
• Mutuality and Interpersonal Sensitivity Scale – 32-item cancer-specific measure of marital quality

Average patient state anxiety score improved from 44.1 preintervention to 31 postintervention (p = 0.01).

There is preliminary support for a diffusion of benefit to the diagnosed woman when a psychoeducational intervention is delivered to her partner in terms of depression and anxiety.

• The study had a small sample size.
• The sample was homogenous, with high education and income levels.
• The study had a high attrition rate (33%).

Findings may not be applicable to other socioeconomic or education level groups.