An actor-partner interdependence model for analyzing the association between dyadic coping and parenting concerns in young breast cancer couples in southwest China

Patients with cancer who are also parents of minor children often express significant concerns related to their parenting role. This cross-sectional study aimed to understand parenting concerns in young breast cancer patients and their spouses, focusing on the perspective of dyadic coping. A total of 296 Chinese young breast cancer couples were recruited via convenience sampling, from April 2023 to December 2023. Participants completed the general information questionnaire, Dyadic Coping Inventory, and Parenting Concerns Questionnaire. Dyadic data were analyzed using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model. The parenting concern scores of young breast cancer patients and their spouses were (3.57 ± 0.56) and (3.26 ± 0.92) respectively, both indicating a moderate to high score; There were statistically differences in parenting concern between young breast cancer patients and their spouses (t = 4.810, p < 0.001). The dyadic coping scores of young breast cancer patients and their spouses were (118.23 ± 20.32) and (118.24 ± 19.47) respectively, and both were at a moderate score. Interdependence model analysis showed that the dyadic coping of both patients and their spouses negatively associated with their own parenting concerns (p < 0.05); Spouse’s supportive coping positively associated with the patient’s parenting concern (p < 0.05), while there was no statistical difference in the patient’s object effect (p > 0.05). The mean score of parenting concerns of young breast cancer patients and their spouses was affected by the score of dyadic coping. Health care workers should regard patients and their spouses as a whole and formulate mutually supportive coping strategies with family as the center, so as to increase positive coping behavior and enhance their family’s ability to cope with breast cancer while raising underage children.