[Structures of couple relations and body image in former patients with malignant cancers and their partners].

49 couples where the female partner had formerly been suffering from carcinoma of the genitals, were examined with regard to the structure of their mutual relationship as partners and the extent of their subjective physical complaints and symptoms. Both the former cancer patients and their partners displayed very marked physical complaints. This can be interpreted as a sign of exaggerated attention being paid to the subject's own body. The highly developed sense of mutual empathy ceased when sexuality was involved; this can point to the existence of conflicts. Mutual relations within a couple were predominantly symmetrical. Unsatisfactory types of relationship were also identified. Results are interpreted with regard to possibilities of psychotherapeutic consultation by the treating physician.