Couple Communication in Cancer: A Multi-Method Look at How Partners Talk and Feel
Official title: Couple Communication in Cancer: A Multi-Method Examination - Renewal - 1
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-11418112 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study looking at how people with cancer and their intimate partners talk about cancer and manage emotions, using real-time reports and recorded conversations to understand healthier communication.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scottsdale, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2016 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,925,279 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA201179-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418112 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with cancer (stages II-IV) and their intimate partners who are willing to participate in long-term data collection and conversation analysis.
✕Less likely to help
People not dealing with cancer or without a partner may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
If you or your loved one has cancer, this study explores how conversations about cancer influence daily life and relationship quality. Researchers collect frequent self-reports, short daily diaries, and analyze actual conversations to understand emotional expression and talking patterns. The goal is to identify ways to tailor interventions so couples cope better and stay connected through treatment and beyond.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could lead to better guidance and interventions to help couples communicate more effectively during cancer care.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown that improved communication is linked to better adjustment for couples dealing with cancer, though this project seeks deeper, multi-method insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Scottsdale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Langer, Shelby — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Langer, Shelby
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.