Psychology
Document Type
Article
Abstract
This study aimed to adapt and pilot the relationship checkup (RC) for young women and their partners undergoing active treatment for breast cancer, with the goal of assessing improvements in individual and relationship well-being. A case series design was utilized, following three couples from different parts of the world over the course of 1 year (2023–2024). Each couple received two RC sessions 1 year apart. For each RC, study questionnaires were administered at baseline, immediately after the RC, and 1 month following the RC. Finally, the couples all participated in follow-up interviews approximately 1 month after their final RC. Results showed that all couples reported stable or improved relationship satisfaction and intimacy over the course of the study, with several partners reporting clinically reliable change. In addition, all but one participant reported decreases in depressive symptoms following the RC sessions, including two partners reporting clinically reliable change. Finally, all couples reported high satisfaction with the RC, appreciating its strengths-based approach, the new perspectives on their relationship, and the positive impact observed in a relatively short amount of time. The RC appears to be a promising approach for enhancing both relationship and individual functioning among young women and their partners facing the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis. Future research should study larger and more diverse samples to more thoroughly assess the efficacy of the RC for couples facing cancer. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved) © 2026 The Author(s) This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0; https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0). This license permits copying and redistributing the work in any medium or format for noncommercial use provided the original authors and source are credited and a link to the license is included in attribution. No derivative works are permitted under this license.
Publication Title
Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice
Publication Date
2026
ISSN
2160-4096
DOI
10.1037/cfp0000305
Keywords
cancer, intimacy, prevention, relationship health, strengths-based
Repository Citation
Gray, Tatiana D.; Spiegel, Zev L.; Stevens, Grayson G.; Sharpe, Weston; and Cordova, James, "The relationship checkup for couples facing breast cancer: A case series design." (2026). Psychology. 1007.
https://commons.clarku.edu/faculty_psychology/1007
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Copyright Conditions
Gray, T. D., Spiegel, Z. L., Stevens, G. G., Sharpe, W., & Cordova, J. V. (2026). The relationship checkup for couples facing breast cancer: A case series design. Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1037/cfp0000305
