‘I-We’ boundary fluctuations in couple adjustment to rectal cancer and life with a permanent colostomy

Abstract

This study investigates couples’ adjustment to rectal cancer and a colostomy using the ‘Classification System of Couple Adjustment to Cancer’, a framework delineating fluctuations in couples’ sense of ‘I’ and ‘We’ in response to cancer. Nine couples affected by rectal cancer and adjusting to life with a colostomy were interviewed. A theoretical thematic analysis of the transcripts was conducted; nearly all ‘I-We’ shifts of the Classification System of Couple Adjustment to Cancer were observed-often in unique ways in response to rectal cancer-specific challenges-and one new shift was described. The results provide a novel and experientially grounded means of conceptualizing complex dyadic coping processes.