The caregiving experiences of male spouses of women diagnosed with breast cancer: a qualitative study

Male spousal caregiving is generally shaped by the gender norms embedded in the society. Rooted in a Confucian cultural heritage that emphasizes men’s roles as leaders and protectors of the family, Taiwanese male spouses may experience challenges and adaptations as they take on caregiving responsibilities. The objective of this study was to examine the caregiving experiences of male spouses of women diagnosed with breast cancer within the context of Taiwanese cultural beliefs and values. This study had an inductive qualitative design. We interviewed 18 male spouses individually between January and June of 2022. Data were subjected to qualitative content analysis following the phenomenological approach. The results yielded five themes: (1) Commitment in one’s own terms; (2) Navigating through wives’ ups and downs; (3) Guiding children to move on toward normalcy; (4) The challenges of emotional management; and (5) Compromise in sexual relationship. Findings revealed that male spouses struggled to persist in shouldering caring duties. The appraisal of their marital role shaped male spouses’ commitment and their approach to providing care. The findings indicate that most male spouses demonstrated a caring masculine style of caregiving, providing stress and protective buffering while undergoing emotional labor. In contrast, two spouses exhibited a traditional masculine caregiving style, emphasizing their role as providers and their problem-solving capabilities. This study supports the notion of plural masculinities by revealing two distinct masculine caregiving styles coexisting within a given culture. The findings illuminate how cultural values shape male spousal caregiving experiences and inform healthcare professionals in tailoring interventions to better support male caregivers.