The Couples' Illness Communication Scale (CICS): Development and evaluation of a brief measure assessing illness-related couple communication

Authors: Arden-Close, E., Moss-Morris, R., Dennison, L., Bayne, L. and Gidron, Y.

Journal: British Journal of Health Psychology

Volume: 15

Issue: 3

Pages: 543-559

ISSN: 1359-107X

DOI: 10.1348/135910709X476972

Abstract:

Objectives. When one member of a couple has a chronic illness, communication about the illness is important for both patient and partner well-being. This study aimed to develop and test a brief self-report measure of illness-related couple communication. Design. A combination of correlations and multiple regression were used to assess the internal consistency and validity of the Couples' Illness Communication Scale (CICS). Methods. A scale to provide insight into both patient and partner illness communication was developed. The CICS was then tested on patients with ovarian cancer (N = 123) and their partners (N = 101), as well as patients with early stage multiple sclerosis (MS) who had stable partnerships (N = 64). Results. The CICS demonstrated good acceptability, internal consistency, convergent validity (correlations with general couple communication and marital adjustment), construct validity (correlations with intrusive thoughts, social/family well-being, emotional impact of the illness, and psychological distress), and test-retest reliability. Conclusions. The CICS meets the majority of psychometric criteria for assessment measures in both a life-threatening illness (ovarian cancer) and a chronic progressive disease (MS). Further research is required to understand its suitability for use in other populations. Adoption of the CICS into couple-related research will improve understanding of the role of illness-related communication in adjustment to illness. Use of this short, simple tool in a clinical setting can provide a springboard for addressing difficulties with illness-related couple communication and could aid decision making for referrals to couple counselling. © 2010 The British Psychological Society.

Source: Scopus

The Couples' Illness Communication Scale (CICS): development and evaluation of a brief measure assessing illness-related couple communication.

Authors: Arden-Close, E., Moss-Morris, R., Dennison, L., Bayne, L. and Gidron, Y.

Journal: Br J Health Psychol

Volume: 15

Issue: Pt 3

Pages: 543-559

ISSN: 1359-107X

DOI: 10.1348/135910709X476972

Abstract:

OBJECTIVES: When one member of a couple has a chronic illness, communication about the illness is important for both patient and partner well-being. This study aimed to develop and test a brief self-report measure of illness-related couple communication. DESIGN: A combination of correlations and multiple regression were used to assess the internal consistency and validity of the Couples' Illness Communication Scale (CICS). METHODS: A scale to provide insight into both patient and partner illness communication was developed. The CICS was then tested on patients with ovarian cancer (N=123) and their partners (N=101), as well as patients with early stage multiple sclerosis (MS) who had stable partnerships (N=64). RESULTS: The CICS demonstrated good acceptability, internal consistency, convergent validity (correlations with general couple communication and marital adjustment), construct validity (correlations with intrusive thoughts, social/family well-being, emotional impact of the illness, and psychological distress), and test-retest reliability. CONCLUSIONS: The CICS meets the majority of psychometric criteria for assessment measures in both a life-threatening illness (ovarian cancer) and a chronic progressive disease (MS). Further research is required to understand its suitability for use in other populations. Adoption of the CICS into couple-related research will improve understanding of the role of illness-related communication in adjustment to illness. Use of this short, simple tool in a clinical setting can provide a springboard for addressing difficulties with illness-related couple communication and could aid decision making for referrals to couple counselling.

Source: PubMed

Preferred by: Emily Arden-Close

The Couples' Illness Communication Scale (CICS): Development and evaluation of a brief measure assessing illness-related couple communication

Authors: Arden-Close, E., Moss-Morris, R., Dennison, L., Bayne, L. and Gidron, Y.

Journal: BRITISH JOURNAL OF HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY

Volume: 15

Pages: 543-559

ISSN: 1359-107X

DOI: 10.1348/135910709X476972

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

The Couples' Illness Communication Scale (CICS): development and evaluation of a brief measure assessing illness-related couple communication.

Authors: Arden-Close, E., Moss-Morris, R., Dennison, L., Bayne, L. and Gidron, Y.

Journal: British journal of health psychology

Volume: 15

Issue: Pt 3

Pages: 543-559

eISSN: 2044-8287

ISSN: 1359-107X

DOI: 10.1348/135910709x476972

Abstract:

Objectives

When one member of a couple has a chronic illness, communication about the illness is important for both patient and partner well-being. This study aimed to develop and test a brief self-report measure of illness-related couple communication.

Design

A combination of correlations and multiple regression were used to assess the internal consistency and validity of the Couples' Illness Communication Scale (CICS).

Methods

A scale to provide insight into both patient and partner illness communication was developed. The CICS was then tested on patients with ovarian cancer (N=123) and their partners (N=101), as well as patients with early stage multiple sclerosis (MS) who had stable partnerships (N=64).

Results

The CICS demonstrated good acceptability, internal consistency, convergent validity (correlations with general couple communication and marital adjustment), construct validity (correlations with intrusive thoughts, social/family well-being, emotional impact of the illness, and psychological distress), and test-retest reliability.

Conclusions

The CICS meets the majority of psychometric criteria for assessment measures in both a life-threatening illness (ovarian cancer) and a chronic progressive disease (MS). Further research is required to understand its suitability for use in other populations. Adoption of the CICS into couple-related research will improve understanding of the role of illness-related communication in adjustment to illness. Use of this short, simple tool in a clinical setting can provide a springboard for addressing difficulties with illness-related couple communication and could aid decision making for referrals to couple counselling.

Source: Europe PubMed Central