Buffering Effects of Family and Friend Support on Associations between Partner Unsupportive Behaviors and Coping among Women with Breast Cancer

This study examined the role of family and friend support in moderating the association between partner unsupportive behaviors and avoidance coping and coping efficacy experienced by women with breast cancer. This study also evaluated whether partner unsupportive behaviors had an indirect effect on patient distress via patient avoidance coping and coping efficacy. One hundred and forty women with recently diagnosed breast cancer who were either married or in cohabiting relationships participated. Results of structural equation analyses supported a moderational role for family and friend support on the association between partner unsupportive behaviors and coping efficacy. Among women who had high support from family and friends, partner unsupportive behaviors were not significantly associated with patient avoidance and coping efficacy appraisals. Among women who had low support from family and friends, partner unsupportive behaviors were strongly associated with greater avoidance and poorer estimates of coping efficacy. However, findings regarding the indirect effects of partner unsupportive behavior on patient distress via avoidance and coping efficacy were inconsistent. The findings underscore the importance of testing moderated models of social support.