Breast cancer and dyadic coping among Taiwanese couples: A cultural exploration of enqing and ren

Abstract Background While American and European research on dyadic coping in couples facing cancer is extensive, studies on Taiwanese couples are sparse. Objective This study explored dyadic coping strategies and mutual support dynamics among married couples in Taiwan during breast cancer treatment. Method Ten Taiwanese couples participated in semistructured interviews individually to address the research question “How do couples facing breast cancer view the influences of their coping methods on treatment journeys and marital relationships?” Results Three dyadic coping themes emerged: (a) engaged in selective communication about stressors while attentively observing each other's emotions and adopting a positive outlook toward cancer‐related challenges; (b) integrated cultural values to shape dyadic coping into a positive framework of shared responsibility due to enqing (恩情) or a pessimistic approach emphasizing ren (忍耐); and (c) prioritized enqing and ren over individual willingness and needs and placing importance on the “provide‐and‐receive” mutual support. Conclusion Taiwanese couples applied dyadic coping in ways uniquely shaped by the Chinese cultural values of enqing and ren to strengthen mutual support during cancer treatment. Implications Practitioners should be sensitive to the cultural context embraced by couples during cancer treatment, appreciating the significance of enqing and ren in dyadic coping.