Abstractmany aspects of the role of social support in psychological adaptation to illness have been investigated using different definitions of the construct. The present study focused on the role of instrumental social support and one aspect of emotional social support, namely supportive communication. In addition, the differential role of support provided in these areas by the spouse and significant others (SO) was examined. Subjects were 76 post‐mastectomy breast cancer patients treated at a University Hospital in Istanbul. Patients were administered Spielberger's State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory, and were interviewed using a structured interview developed by the authors. Results showed that supportive communication with the spouse, positive reaction of the spouse to mastectomy, marital satisfaction and open discussion of emotions concerning cancer were positively associated with psychological well‐being. Instrumental support from the spouse or SO was not related to depression or an