Research on Chinese Couples’ Dyadic Coping Experiences Following Liver Cancer Surgery: A Qualitative Study

Background The conceptualization of illness management is shifting from an individual focus to a dyadic perspective. Existing dyadic coping research has largely examined conditions such as cancer and stroke and has been dominated by quantitative designs. Dyadic coping has not yet been systematically incorporated into studies of patients undergoing surgery for liver cancer. Objective To explore couples’ dyadic coping experiences after liver cancer surgery and to inform the development of postoperative intervention programs grounded in dyadic illness management theory. Methods A phenomenological qualitative design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Results Three themes were identified: dyadic coping dilemmas; dyadic coping experiences; and dyadic coping needs. Conclusion After liver cancer surgery, patients experience substantial physical and psychological challenges, and many couples lack effective dyadic coping strategies.