| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立暨南國際大學 === 輔導與諮商研究所 === 96 === Title of Thesis：A Study on the Transformation of Marital Intimacy in Female Breast Cancer Patients: The Illustration of Patients with Mastectomy
Name of Institute：Graduate Institute of
Guidance and Counseling Pages：288
Graduation Time：01/2008 Degree Conferred：Master
Student Name：Mei-Tuan Chen Advisor Name：Wei- Su Hsu
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the transformation of marital intimacy in female breast cancer patients who had undergone a mastectomy. Four female breast cancer patients were invited and interviewed by using purposive sampling in this study. The collected data was analyzed by using Open-Coding method. The results and discussions of this study were threefold:
1. The experience of coping with cancer and marital intimacy of each participant was investigated in time intervals.
2. During the period from being diagnosed with breast cancer and to being medically treated, the important events, phenomena and the experiences of participants were described.
3. Analysis for the transformation of marital intimacy in female breast cancer patients were presented in three subcategories.
A. Important phenomena occurred during the transformation:
a. The strong emotional reaction of being diagnosed with breast cancer was emerged.
b. Continuous-interactive emotional pressure between the couples was alleviated through acceptance and inclusion.
c. Re-adjustment of the roles in the marital relationship helped reduce the couples’ pressure and maintain their family function.
d. Positive reaction from the husbands could help the patients feel no fear of marital relationship problems.
e. The profound meaning of helping each other through the difficulties of life.
f. The couples found a new value to life after going through the emotionally and physically painful experience of having breast cancer.
B. The alterations of nine factors in marital intimacy were listed below.
a. The alteration of “Communication”, and “Conflict Resolution and Effect”: Due to the change of personality and interactive behavior, communication was improved, and the frequency of conflict was reduced.
b. The alteration of “Affection”: The couples appreciated and admired each other more, while differences existed in the ways how they expressed their emotions.
c. The alteration of “Commitment”: The meaning of spouse was deeply realized, and the couples cherished each other at this moment in time.
d. The alteration of “Sex”: The sex life of the couples was heavily impacted by the disease; however, their confidence in sex was retrieved by coordination.
e. The alteration of “Recreation”: The adjustment of values and improved finance helped them appreciate quality time together.
f. The alteration of “Autonomy” and “Society”: The illustration of personal capability and social service experiences helped the couples to become more matured. In addition, the interactions and the relationship between each other were also improved.
g. The alteration of “Spirit”: Having the same religious belief assisted in suffering through disease and seeking mental support.
C. The characteristics of different phases in the transformation:
Those characteristics were organized into four phases and discussed as follows:
Phase 1: Before being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Phase 2: The marital situation after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Phase 3: Coping with breast cancer and receiving medical treatment together.
Phase 4: The alteration of each factor in marital intimacy.
Finally, based on the research results, suggestions were proposed for breast cancer couples, friends, relatives, related group, professionals and future researchers.
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