Couple Dynamics Following Brain Cancer Diagnosis: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT In this scoping review, we examine the psychosocial impacts and relationship experiences of brain cancer on patients and their romantic partners. We synthesize seven empirical studies published between 2000 and 2024 across the United States ( n = 2) and Europe ( n = 5). Studies were identified through systematic database searches (e.g., PubMed, PsycINFO) targeting adult romantic couples where one partner had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, four of which used qualitative methods, and the remaining three articles used quantitative methods. Substantive findings across studies fell into one of three themes: (a) patients and their partners reported compromised psychosocial outcomes; (b) couple coping and communication patterns varied from open discussion to complete avoidance; and (c) partners reported considerable caregiver strain. The review revealed important limitations such as inconsistent demographic reporting, need for methodological rigor (e.g., consistent reporting of demographics, dyadic data) and a lack of theoretical frameworks. Future research should prioritize theoretically grounded dyadic studies using appropriate statistical methods to advance understanding of how brain cancer impacts romantic relationships.