Meaning-reconstruction factors and well-being in cancer survivor-caregiver dyads: Daily associations and mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to expand the existing research on the meaning-making processes in cancer by examining (a) the relationship between daily meaning making and meanings made versus the emotional and social well-being in survivor-caregiver dyads, (b) whether meanings made moderated or mediated the meaning-making-well-being associations at the within- and between-dyad level, and (c) whether meaning factors varied across or within persons.

METHODS

Two hundred dyads completed measures of meaning making, meanings made, positive and negative affect, and loneliness for 28 consecutive posthospitalization days following hematopoietic cell transplantation. Computations were based on the actor-partner interdependence model and its extensions, using multilevel structural equation modeling.

RESULTS

Positive emotional effects of meanings made and mixed effects of meaning making were found. Meanings made mediated, but not moderated, the association between meaning making and affect. Meaning factors varied substantially between- but less so within-person.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research on the meaning-making process and practical actions will require a greater focus on the level of the analysis, the role in the dyad, and interpersonal aspects. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).