Renegotiating Sex and Intimacy After Cancer

• DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0b013e3182759e21
• Publication Date: 2012-12-20T16:54:07Z
• Authors: Jane M. Ussher; Janette Perz; Emilee Gilbert; W. K. Tim Wong; Kim Hobbs
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis

Previous research on sex and intimacy in the context of cancer has focused documenting sexual changes difficulties, primarily focusing heterosexual individuals who have or reproductive cancers. Analyses renegotiation social construction are largely absent from agenda.The objective this study was to explore with cancer, partners, across a broad range types relational contexts.Semistructured interviews were conducted 44 people (23 women, 21 men) 35 partners (18 17 men), 86% whom identified as heterosexual. The data analyzed theoretical thematic analysis, material-discursive-intrapsychic perspective.Renegotiation reported by 70% participants, reflected 3 themes: "resisting coital imperative: redefining 'sex,'" embracing intimacy," "adopting refiguring body through techno-medicine." importance theme "the inter-subjective nature re-negotiation: relationship communication."Whereas previous embodied associated sexuality after their psychological consequences, findings present suggest that hegemonic constructions "sex," particular imperative, central experience negotiation cancer.Resistance imperative should be fundamental aspect information support provided health professionals seek reduce distress cancer.