Developing evidence based programming to enhance emotional support and healthy communication within primary romantic relationships during cancer treatment

Background:

Cancer often leads to distressing symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and depression that can severely affect quality of life. Research shows that patients experience improved psychosocial adjustment when they receive loving, intentional support from their partners. Understanding how a partner prefers to receive love may be key to strengthening healthy communication and relationship satisfaction during cancer treatment. In 1992, Gary Chapman introduced The Five Love Languages (5LLs) model observing.

Objectives:

• Identify evidence-based methods and delivery formats to educate cancer patients and their partners on relationship and communication frameworks.
• Describe the impact of emotional support and healthy communication on the psychosocial well-being of cancer patients and their partners.
• Evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing relationship-focused interventions, such as the 5 Love Languages and More Than Words frameworks, in clinical settings.

Methods:

Since 2022, Texas Oncology (TxO) and The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy (UTCOP) have partnered to deliver a six-week support group for couples, using a 5LLs curriculum tailored to cancer patients. Texas Oncology Social Workers facilitated the weekly sessions and UTCOP oversaw data collection and analysis. Results: Pre- and post-program surveys showed reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, significantly in feeling afraid (p=0.0959), down (p=0.0816), nervous (p=0.0455), and bad (p=0.0531). Couples reported significantly improved relationship satisfaction post-program (patients: p=0.0042; partners: p=0.0959).

Discussion:

In 2024, the TxO and UTCOP collaboration began to explore how to broaden the program’s reach. Feedback indicated interest in more inclusive approaches, particularly for LGBTQ+ couples. The team identified More Than Words (MTW) by John Howard as a complementary, evidence-based framework focused on universal communication strategies. A pilot presentation introducing MTW was delivered to Texas Oncology Social Workers to assess interest and feasibility. Survey responses expressed support for offering MTW in accessible formats such as brochures, serving as an introduction to deeper engagements like the 5LLs support group.

Conclusions:

Next steps include training providers on both the 5LLs and MTW frameworks and expanding access to these tools. By strengthening evidence-based emotional support resources, healthcare professionals can play a vital role in healthy communication and relationship satisfaction among couples navigating cancer care.

Funding: Not applicable.