Table 2.

Examples of stages of inflexible and flexible coping in the centrality of sexual function and activity in cancer

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