How couples communicate while facing cancer
Couple Communication in Cancer: A Multi-Method Examination - Renewal - 1
This project looks at how couples coping with breast, colon, rectal, or lung cancer talk about the illness and how those conversations relate to their emotions and relationships.
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 ID | NIH-11194273 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you and your partner take part, you'll complete short surveys four times over a year about your communication and adjustment. You'll also answer brief twice-daily questions for two weeks and do audio- or video-recorded conversations about cancer-related topics. Researchers will analyze what you say, the emotions you show, and vocal markers of emotional arousal to map patterns of interaction. The goal is to identify communication styles that help couples cope and to inform better support for those who struggle.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are couples in which one partner has stage II–IV breast, colon, rectal, or lung cancer and both partners are willing to complete surveys, short daily reports, and recorded conversations.
Not a fit: People without an intimate partner, those with cancers outside the included types or earlier-stage disease, or those unwilling to be recorded may not be eligible or benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to better couple-focused support and interventions that reduce distress and improve relationship well-being during cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier research using self-reported communication measures has linked couple communication to adjustment, but this multi-method approach with daily reports and recorded conversations is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Scottsdale, United States
- 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 below.