[Fear of progression in partners of chronically ill patients].

Fear of progression (FoP) is one of the most prevalent symptoms in patients with chronic diseases. Little is known about FoP in partners of chronically ill patients. Therefore, this study assessed FoP in 332 partners of lung, colon cancer, migraine and rheumatism patients. Objectives were to ascertain the influence of individual, dyadic and disease related factors on FoP. 49% of partners were experiencing high levels of FoP varied according to the nature of the disease (highest FoP in spouses of lung cancer patients, lowest in partners of migraine patients). As significant predictors emerged more medical consultations of the patient, high avoidance symptoms, and own dyadic coping nor dyadic coping of the patient. FoP seems to impact the psychological functioning of the partner as well. Therefore, investigating FoP in partners of chronically ill patients is a promising approach to extending a program of care for patients to their partners.