Self-disclosure and coping styles among breast cancer patients and their partners : an exploratory and descriptive study

The purpose of this exploratory and descriptive study was to delineate the process of investigating the effects of breast cancer on self-disclosure and coping styles among couples. By delineating such a process and developing an instrument to measure self-disclosure among couples, this study provides the necessary protocol and instrumentation for future prospective studies. Information presented is based on a one year investigation and includes the following: 1) an overview of instrument construction and pilot testing, 2) facility selection and incorporation, 3) interactions between investigator, couples facing breast cancer, and medical and clerical personnel, 4) patterns of self-disclosure and coping styles among couples, 5) study obstacles and adjustments, and 6) an overview of the cognitive theory of stress and coping, which serves as the theoretical framework.