Table 2.
Stage in coping process | Inflexible | Flexible |
---|---|---|
Thought | “If we could get back to having sex again like we did before the treatment, we could have our intimate life back” | “After the treatment, we show our intimacy through sharing laughs and enjoying our time together” |
Behavior | Neglecting intimacy in relationship | Scheduling a weekly “date night” |
Psychosocial outcomes | Negative mood; poor relationship functioning | Positive mood; enhanced relationship functioning |