The congruence and interrelationships of family resilience in couples coping with colorectal cancer: A cross-sectional study from a dyadic perspective

Purpose: To assess the congruence and interdependent impacts of family resilience in colorectal cancer couples using the Walsh Family Resilience Model, focusing on coping domains of the shared beliefs system, organizational patterns, and communication/problem-solving. Methods: 220 colorectal cancer couples were recruited from two hospitals in China, assessing family resilience, hope, family sense of coherence, spiritual well-being, social support, and couple communication quality. Congruence was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients and paired t-tests. Pearson correlations, multiple stepwise linear regression, and structural equation modeling examined the effects of coping domains on family resilience. Actor-Partner Independence Model was used to further explore actor and partner effects of these coping domains on family resilience in colorectal cancer couples. Results: Moderate congruence in family resilience was observed, with spousal caregivers reporting higher family resilience. Key coping domains, including shared beliefs system (hope, family sense of coherence, spiritual wellbeing), organizational patterns (social support), and mutual communication/problem-solving, were significant predictors of family resilience. Importantly, both patients' and spousal caregivers' coping domains exhibited notable actor and partner effects on family resilience of their own family resilience and partners. Conclusion: This study highlights the interdependent influences on family resilience in colorectal cancer couples, supporting family-centered interventions to strengthen positive coping mechanisms.