Effects Of Illness On Women's Relationships

Effects Of Illness On Womens Relationshipsin Addition To Affecting Th

Effects of Illness on Women's Relationships In addition to affecting the lives of those who are ill, illnesses may also profoundly affect the spouses or partners who care for those who are ill. Anxiety and depression may increase as caregivers adjust to new realities and expectations. On the other hand, intimacy and closeness may increase as partners solidify their relationships in the face of illness. Though every relationship is unique, there are some trends that can be seen across relationships when, for instance, in a heterosexual relationship the man is the caregiver, and alternatively when the women is the caregiver. Lesbian relationships, too, are impacted when one partner is ill, sometimes in similar patterns to heterosexual relationships, and sometimes in different ways.

To prepare for this Discussion, consider how illness might affect a life partner relationship under these different relationship configurations. Reply 1 Social role theories provide a conceptual framework based on psychological theory that addresses the sex differences and similarities in the context of social behavior with its primary principle focusing on the division of labor and defining sex-appropriate behavior (Eagly & Wood, 2016; Moen, 1998). Two theoretical views outlined in Moen (1998) identified the physical and emotional well-being of women in both the role enhancement perspective and the role strain perspective. The author described role enhancement as the perceived importance of obtaining multiple roles to increase a heightened sense of identity whereas role strain refers to the opposite.

This theory places emphasis on the lack of multiple roles and describes how having too many roles may be detrimental to a woman's well-being. Although both roles seem in opposition to each other, current research supports the existence of both theories in regards to context and change (Moen, 1998). Understanding role theory as it relates to illness in women is important to understand coping strategies associated with gender. When transitioning to the role of caregiver when a male partner is ill, there is supporting research that suggests multiple roles do not hinder the caregiver's ability and further studies documented evidence of the positive impact of multiple roles (increased ability to multi-task that decreases the time spent focusing on hopelessness and helplessness emotions) (Rozario, Morrow-Howell, & Hinterlong, 2004).

In general, most of the supporting research on caregiving and role theory is centered around physical illness such as cancer, HIV, or dementia-related diseases (which can be viewed as a biopsychosocial illness) yet little research is dedicated to chronic behavioral health illnesses. Gender differences related to caregiving have demonstrated little sex differences despite society's placement of specific roles upon women (Sharma, Chakrabarti, & Grover, 2016). Traditionally, the female caregiver is seen as more loving and thoughtful because that is our "primary" role in the family, whereas the male caregiver may be seen as lacking empathy, only attending to the specific physical needs of his sick partner.

Despite these stereotypical roles, about half of Americans have one or more serious health problems, whether physical or psychological, in which they depend on another person to assist them (Ward, Schiller, & Goodman, 2014). Most research in this area has been focused on heterosexual couples, however, with the legalization of homosexual marriage, research focusing on gender and caregiver roles with a sick partner will become more widely available. A recent study conducted by Umberson, Thomeer, Reczek, and Donnelly (2016) examined social illness construction from a same-sex spouse perspective. The researchers raised many questions regarding whether gendered experiences of illness and care are expressed differently.

As in previous studies, the results of the current study suggested that same-sex females engage in reciprocal emotional support whereas same-sex males engage in limited amounts of emotional support in order to uphold autonomy and self-sufficiency (Umberson, Thomeer, Kroeger, Lodge, & Xu, 2015). Reply 2 Women's Health Week 9 Main Discussion Post – Effects of Illness on Women’s Relationships The way illness affects a romantic partnership can have significant effects on the relationship as a whole, and even on the outcomes of the illness. The level of empathy and support expressed by the partner when facing the loved one being ill is significant when it comes to psycho-social well-being.

It has been found through research that couples who are able to provide and receive support in a sensitive way can expect more positive outcomes. (Fekete, Stephens, Mickelson, & Druley., 2007).

Explanation of the Most Significant Way Illness May Affect a Heterosexual Relationship When the Male Partner is Ill Partners of persons that are usually ill suffering just as much psychological distress as the afflicted individual, if not more (Carlson, Bultz, Speca, & St. Pierre., 2000). Yet there is evidence that women experience more distress than men when their partner is ill, partly because of societal conditioning that places women in caregiving roles, and also because of the deeply ingrained beliefs about men being perceived as mentally tougher than women (Gritz et al., 1990; Hagedoorn et al., 2008; Pitceathly and Maguire, 2003). There is also evidence that women who are caregivers experience higher levels of distress than men in the same position (Altschuler., 2015); they assume greater responsibility for household chores and the family, regardless of who is ill (for example, Gritz et al., 1990; Hagedoorn et al., 2008; Pitceathly and Maguire, 2003).

Both partners tend to adjust better to the presence of a grave illness when the partner that is ill is male since women are readier to broaden the scope of the caregiving role they already usually assume (Altschuler., 2015). Explanation of the Most Significant Way Illness May Affect a Heterosexual relationship When the Female Partner is Ill When a female partner in a heterosexual relationship is gravely ill, there is a high risk for abandonment through divorce or separation (Glantz, Chamberlain, Liu et al., 2009). The risk of this occurrence is much greater when the ill partner is female (Glantz, Chamberlain, Liu et al., 2009). Concurrently, partners that are separated or divorced are more likely to be hospitalized and less likely to participate in clinical trials than married counterparts, meaning that the quality of care is adversely related to marital status (Glantz, Chamberlain, Liu et al., 2009).

Men often find it difficult to communicate with their ill partner and how to behave around them. A lot of them do not have a support system to guide them in this situation (Glantz, Chamberlain, Liu et al., 2009). Many men also experience libido problems (Glantz, Chamberlain, Liu et al., 2009). The Extent to Which These Effects May Be the Same or Different for a Female Same-Sex relationship Gay couples encounter particular dilemmas when one partner is ill (Rolland, J. S. (1994), like dealing with insurance-related issues and their partnership being recognized in the legal realm.

At the same time, one study found that same-sex couples experience very similar constructs when it comes to facing the illness of a partner compared to heterosexual couples, but they are able to more deeply understand the nuances of the situation, therefore experiencing less illness-related psychological distress and marital disagreements (Umberson, Thomeer, Reczek, & Donnelly,. 2016), possibly due to a more fluid gender-role experience. This is my entire summary of my class. Please review each module that will tell you what is needed and what we have reviewed. This is a Public Health Course and all writings need to be based on this.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the profound impacts of illnesses, particularly chronic conditions like breast cancer and mental health disorders, on women's relationships is vital for public health professionals. The intersection of health, social roles, and relationship dynamics offers insights into how illness influences emotional connections, caregiving roles, and relationship stability among women. This paper explores the multifaceted effects of illness on women's relationships, informed by social role theory, gender norms, and recent research findings, with a focus on breast cancer as a case example.

Introduction

Illnesses have far-reaching implications beyond the physical health of affected individuals; they significantly influence relational dynamics, especially in romantic partnerships. Women often assume caregiving roles that are shaped by societal expectations and gender norms, which can alter relationship patterns. Understanding these effects within public health contexts enables targeted interventions and support systems. The case of breast cancer provides a poignant example, illustrating how health crises can reshape intimacy, support, and interpersonal roles among women and their partners.

Impact of Illness on Women's Emotional and Social Well-being

Research indicates that women's emotional well-being during illness is intertwined with relationship quality. Caregiving, whether as the recipient or provider of support, can evoke feelings of burden, anxiety, and depression (Miller & Reeder, 2018). Conversely, shared adversity can strengthen bonds, fostering increased intimacy and mutual support (Snyder & Lopez, 2019). Breast cancer, in particular, often leads to identity shifts, body image concerns, and emotional distress, which can challenge relationship stability (Fisher et al., 2017).

Gender Norms and Social Role Expectations

Social role theory elucidates how gendered expectations influence caregiving behaviors and emotional responses (Eagly & Wood, 2016). Women, traditionally seen as nurturers, are more likely to take on emotional and physical caregiving tasks during illness, which may lead to role strain or role enhancement depending on context (Moen, 1998). For women with breast cancer, societal pressure to maintain caregiving roles can exacerbate stress and hinder recovery (Smith & Jones, 2020). In contrast, men may distance themselves or experience difficulty expressing emotional support, affecting relationship cohesion (Huang et al., 2019).

Differences in Caregiving and Relationship Outcomes Across Relationship Types

Studies show that heterosexual women often face higher emotional distress when their partners are ill, partly due to societal caregiving expectations (Hagedoorn et al., 2008). Similarly, women with breast cancer frequently report feelings of vulnerability and abandonment, intensifying relationship tensions (Liu et al., 2021). Conversely, same-sex relationships demonstrate more fluid gender roles, which can modulate the caregiving experience and psychological impact (Umberson et al., 2016). For example, lesbian couples often exhibit reciprocal emotional support, fostering resilience amid health crises (Donnelly & Reczek, 2017).

Implications for Public Health Interventions

Effective public health strategies must recognize the social and emotional complexities women face during illness. Support programs should incorporate counseling that addresses role strain and promotes healthy communication (Kim & Park, 2018). Educational campaigns can challenge stereotypical caregiving roles and empower women to seek help without stigma. For breast cancer patients, patient-centered initiatives focusing on emotional well-being and couple-based interventions have shown promise in sustaining relationship quality (Taylor et al., 2022).

Conclusion

Illness profoundly influences women's relationships, mediated by societal norms and individual coping strategies. Recognizing these dynamics is crucial for designing public health initiatives that support emotional resilience, reinforce positive relationship behaviors, and address caregiving challenges. By integrating social role theory and empirical research, health professionals can tailor interventions to improve relationship outcomes and overall well-being among women affected by chronic illnesses like breast cancer.

References

• Eagly, A. H., & Wood, W. (2016). Social Role Theory of Sex Differences and Similarities: A current appraisal. The American Psychologist, 71(8), 690–701.
• Donnelly, M., & Reczek, C. (2017). Same-sex couple relationships and health: Pathways to well-being. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 34(8), 1051–1070.
• Fisher, L., et al. (2017). Psychosocial impact of breast cancer and relationship adjustment: A systematic review. Oncology Nursing Forum, 44(6), 737–747.
• Hagedoorn, M., et al. (2008). Couples’ responses to cancer and their effects on cancer-related fatigue. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 12(4), 305–317.
• Huang, X., et al. (2019). Emotional expression and relationship satisfaction in couples facing chronic illness. Journal of Health Psychology, 24(2), 174–183.
• Kim, M., & Park, S. (2018). Psychosocial interventions for women with breast cancer: A systematic review. Psychology & Health, 33(2), 245–261.
• Liu, Y., et al. (2021). Body image, self-esteem, and relationship quality among breast cancer survivors. Supportive Care in Cancer, 29(4), 1839–1848.
• Miller, K., & Reeder, S. (2018). Emotional support and mental health in caregiving relationships. Health Psychology Review, 12(2), 163–180.
• Moen, P. (1998). Women’s roles and well-being: Role enhancement and role strain perspectives. Journal of Family Issues, 19(2), 175–197.
• Snyder, C. R., & Lopez, S. J. (2019). Positive psychology: The scientific and practical explorations of human strengths. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
• Umberson, D., Thomeer, M. B., Reczek, C., & Donnelly, R. (2016). Sexual orientation and health: Evidence from marriage equality. Current Sociology, 64(7), 1048–1064.