A cross sectional study of perceived couple communication patterns and influencing factors among colorectal cancer patients

To investigate the current status of couple communication among patients with colorectal cancer and to identify the key factors influencing communication patterns, thereby providing a reference for clinically targeted communication interventions. Based on Walsh's family resilience theory and the Interpersonal Process Model of Intimacy (IPMI), a theoretical framework of "resource-motivation-activation" for couple communication was developed. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling and included 306 hospitalized colorectal cancer patients from a Grade A tertiary hospital in Anhui Province between July 2023 and September 2024. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Communication Pattern Questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Family Resilience Questionnaire, the Quality of Relationship Index, and the Distress Disclosure Index. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing couple communication patterns. The level of constructive communication among couples affected by colorectal cancer was relatively low, while the demand-withdraw pattern was the most prevalent communication style. Among demographic and disease-related variables, age, primary caregiver, ostomy status, and pathological stage were found to be significantly associated with couple communication patterns. Family resilience, intimacy, and self-disclosure were identified as variables positively associated with constructive communication. Intimacy was negatively associated with both demand-withdraw and mutual avoidance communication patterns, whereas self-disclosure was negatively associated with mutual avoidance communication. These results provide preliminary support for the "resource-motivation-activation" theoretical framework. Couple communication patterns among patients with colorectal cancer are influenced by multiple factors. Family resilience, intimacy, and self-disclosure may play important roles in shaping communication behaviors. Clinical intervention strategies may consider patients' demographic and disease characteristics, with particular emphasis on strengthening family resilience, enhancing intimacy, and encouraging patient self-disclosure, which may help improve couple communication among colorectal cancer patients.