Intimacy-enhancing psychological intervention for men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their partners: a pilot study

IntroductionFew couple‐focused interventions have been developed to improve distress and relationship outcomes among men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer and their partners.AimsWe examined the effects of a five‐session Intimacy‐Enhancing Therapy (IET) vs. Usual Care (UC) on the psychological and relationship functioning of men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer and their partners. Pre‐intervention levels of psychological and relationship functioning were evaluated as moderators of intervention effects.MethodsSeventy‐one survivors and their partners completed a baseline survey and were subsequently randomly assigned to receive five sessions of IET or UC (no treatment). Eight weeks after the baseline assessment, a follow‐up survey was administered to survivor and partner.Main Outcome MeasuresDistress, well‐being, relationship satisfaction, relationship intimacy, and communication were investigated as the main outcomes.ResultsIET effects were largely moderated by pre‐intervention psychosocial and relationship factors. Those survivors who had higher levels of cancer concerns at pretreatment had significantly reduced concerns following IET. Similar moderating effects for pre‐intervention levels were reported for the effects of IET on self‐disclosure, perceived partner disclosure, and perceived partner responsiveness. Among partners beginning the intervention with higher cancer‐specific distress, lower marital satisfaction, lower intimacy, and poorer communication, IET improved these outcomes.ConclusionsIET had a marginally significant main effect upon survivor well‐being but was effective among couples with fewer personal and relationship resources. Subsequent research is needed to replicate these findings with a larger sample and a longer follow‐up. Manne SL, Nelson CJ, Kissane DW, Mulhall JP, Winkel G, and Zaider T. Intimacy‐enhancing psychological intervention for men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their partners: A pilot study.