Patient preference and adherence
Positive Metacognition, Family Avoidance of Cancer Communication, and Psychological Distress in Breast Cancer Patients and Their Spouses: A Longitudinal Actor-Partner Interdependence Model
By Wang W, Fu Y, Xu H and 2 others.
Abstract
Aim
To examine longitudinal changes in positive metacognition and meta-emotion, family avoidance of cancer communication (FACC), and psychological distress in breast cancer patients and their spouses, and to test the mediating and cross-partner effects of FACC.
Methods
265 patient-spouse dyads were recruited by convenience sampling from a tertiary hospital between January and December 2025, and 230 dyads completing all three assessments were analysed. The Positive Metacognitions and Positive Meta-Emotions Questionnaire, the Family Avoidance of Communication about Cancer scale, and the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale were administered at baseline (T1, within 1 week after surgery), 6 weeks (T2) and 12 weeks (T3) postoperatively; follow-up was completed in March 2026. Repeated-measures ANOVA and a cross-lagged actor-partner interdependence mediation model were used.