Fergus, Karen D.2015-01-262015-01-262014-08-132015-01-26http://hdl.handle.net/10315/28261This study aims to validate a classification system of couple adjustment to cancer, developed with breast and prostate cancer patients. The classification proposes that couples undergo fluctuations between togetherness (“We”-ness) and separateness (“I”-ness) during their cancer experience, which may affirm or erode their mutual identity. The application of the classification system to couples coping with colorectal cancer (CRC) and permanent colostomies served as a novel approach to member checking as a means of validation. Nine couples were interviewed. Transcripts were coded for “I-We” shifts in couples’ adjustment, either as these were implicitly described within their dialogue, or as they were explicitly self-identified by the couple. With the exception of four “We”-eroding shifts, all of the previously identified shifts within the “I-We” classification system were observed. One new “I-We” shift was developed from this analysis. Implications to colorectal cancer patients with colostomies and theories of couple resilience emphasizing “We”-ness are discussed.enAuthor owns copyright, except where explicitly noted. Please contact the author directly with licensing requests.PsychologyOncologyElectronic Thesis or Dissertation2015-01-26Member checkingColorectal cancerColostomyDyadic copingWe-nessAdjustment to cancerCouple resilienceValidation