Loneliness and Emotional Support Predict Physical and Psychological Distress in Latinas with Breast Cancer and Their Supportive Partners

Abstract

Following predictions from the stress process model, associations between loneliness, emotional support, physical health, and psychological distress were tested in 115 Latinas with breast cancer and their supportive partners. Results showed that loneliness and emotional support were predictive of psychological distress and physical symptoms. Additionally, emotional support minimized the association between physical symptoms and psychological distress. There were strong individual-level effects for loneliness and emotional support on physical health and psychological distress, and evidence that a partner’s loneliness also worsened psychological distress in the participants.