Interrelation between dyadic coping and psychological resilience among cervical cancer couples in Northwest China: An Actor-Partner interdependence model

Objective: This study aimed to explore how dyadic coping (DC) influences the psychological resilience (PR) levels of patients with cervical cancer (CC) and their spouses. Methods: From April to June 2024, this cross-sectional study involved 177 dyads of patients with CC and their spouses from the gynecology and oncology wards of two tertiary hospitals in Xinjiang. Data were collected through questionnaires on demographic information, clinical characteristics, the Resilience Scale, and the Dyadic Coping Inventory, all of which were self-report measures. The results were thoroughly analyzed utilizing the Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model. Results: The patients had a mean age of 49.94 f 8.05 years (range: 26-64), with the majority being at stage II of CC. Their spouses had a mean age of 51.90 f 8.02 years (range: 27-65). DC scores averaged 105.50 f 23.98 for patients and 103.34 f 22.26 for spouses, while PR scores were 63.51 f 19.68 for patients and 67.44 f 18.97 for spouses. Positive DC, which significantly correlated with higher levels of PR, was observed in patients with CC and their spouses (r = 0.285, P < 0.01; r = 0.697, P < 0.01). Conversely, a negative DC was associated with a lower PR (r = -0.187, -0.390; P < 0.01). Positive DC by patients with CC and their spouses equally improves both partners'PR. In contrast, negative DC by patients with CC and their spouses affects only their own PR. Conclusions: Patients with CC and their spouses' PR is significantly influenced by both partners' DC behaviors. When both partners used positive coping strategies, their PR increased. Conversely, negative DC behaviors affected only patients' PR, possibly because of self-concealment and communication barriers, which may explain the lack of a reciprocal impact. Nurses should identify couples at risk for negative DC and implement resilience interventions to encourage both partners' engagement in positive coping.