Well-being at work of couples facing return-to-work after cancer: resources and reciprocal adjustment

Abstract

Background: Well-being at work is more and more examined in health psychology, but few research concern the context of returning to work after cancer. However, work is an important part of the quality of life of patients; it is both a source of income, victory over the disease and "return to a normal life" (Rolin et al, 2014). In the literature, it has been shown that the spouse has a protective role concerning the psychological distress among the other member of the couple during cancer. (Untas et al, 2012). The main objective of this research is to identify what positively affects well-being at work, while considering the possible partner’s influence in the context of returning to work after cancer. Method: 200 couples (100 affected by a history of cancer and 100 without cancer experience) will respond to different questionnaires. Quantitative variables, which are protective of burnout on the one hand and predictive of well-being at work on the other, will be the subject of intra-dyadic analysis using the model APIM (Kenny & Cook, 1999). Expected results: We expect identify and examine the variables that protect from burnout and those that positively affect the well-being of people at work after cancer through couple’s resources. Current stage of work: We are currently searching for more participants. We will start the analysis of reciprocal influences. Discussion: This study should have implications for prevention and intervention programs that focus on individual and couple resources to support people to improve return-to-work process after cancer.