Investigation of the relationship between spousal alienation and cognitive distortions of cancer patients: Hacettepe University Oncology Hospital example

Objective: In this study, firstly, the relationship between spouse alienation and cognitive distortions of cancer patients has been analyzed and then the experiences of the patients during the treatment process have been examined. Materials and Methods: This study has been conducted with 82 married patients receiving treatment at Hacettepe University Oncology Hospital, using an exploratory ordinal design. Quantitative data of the research; 'Sociodemographic Information Form', 'Snowle Alienation Scale', 'Cognitive Distortions Scale' and qualitative data were collected through the 'Semi-Configured In-Deep Interview Form'. In quantitative data analysis; Kruskal Wallis Test, One-Way Variance Analysis (ANOVA), Mann Whitney U Test and Spearman Correlation Test, and content analysis was used in the analysis of qualitative data. Results: As a result of the research, it has been found that there is no significant relationship between marital alienation and cognitive distortions of married people. However, it has been found that cognitive distortions differed significantly according to educational status. It has been determined that women's level of alienation from their spouses is higher than that of men. As a result of the qualitative analysis, it has been found that the expression of support and understanding was at the forefront. It has been determined that this is followed by spousal support, family support, childcare support, relations with children, and social femininity role pressure. The least repeated expressions have been found to be social masculinity role pressure, sexual reluctance, and nausea. Conclusion and Suggestion: In this study, it has been determined that education level is one of the factors affecting cognitive distortions. The expression of social femininity role pressure in the qualitative data is thought to be related to the high level of alienation from the spouse in women. It has been found that roles such as housework and childcare are usually undertaken by other female members of the family. The majority of studies on cancer patients focus on physical health. Studies on the experiences of children whose parents are treated, the poverty of families in cancer treatment, and the expectations of spouses from each other can be increased. Keywords: Cognitive distortions, Support, Spousal alienation, Marriage.