A relationship between perceived self-efficacy and quality of life in cancer patients

doi:10.1016/0738-3991(91)90052-7

Patient Education and Counseling

Volume 17, Issue 1, February 1991, Pages 71-78

https://doi.org/10.1016/0738-3991(91)90052-7 Get rights and content

Abstract

The quality of life of cancer patients may be influenced by the degree of control they feel able to exert over stressful situations arising from having the disease. We were able to test this association using a newly developed instrument, the Stanford Inventory of Cancer Patient Adjustment which assesses perceived self-efficacy, that is, perceived ability to enact coping strategies. In a heterogeneous sample of 273 cancer patients a strong positive correlation was found between self-efficacy and quality of life and between self-efficacy and mood. Improvements in all three measures brought about by a brief, group program teaching coping skills were also highly correlated. By contrast, no significant association was seen between improvement in mood or quality of life and amount of home practice of coping skills.

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¹: A. J. Cunningham PhD is a senior scientist.

²: G.A. Lockwood, M Math is a statistician.

³: J.A. Cunningham, BSc is a graduate student.

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Original articleA relationship between perceived self-efficacy and quality of life in cancer patients

Abstract

Clin Psychol Rev

Behav Res Ther

Patient Educ Counsel

Patient Educ Counsel

The function of the illusions of control and freedom

Am Psychol

Stress, Appraisal and Coping

Self-efficacy mechanism in human agency

Am Psychol

Psychosocial correlates of breast cancer and its treatment

Psychol Bull

Psychosocial aspects of living with cancer: a review of the literature

Int J Pyschiatr Med

Psychological concomitants of cancer: current state of research

Psychol Med

The prevalence of psychiatric disorders among cancer patients

JAMA

Attributions, beliefs about control and adjustment to breast cancer

J Pers Soc Psychol

Behavioral medicine in comprehensive cancer treatment

J Psychosoc Oncol

A behavioral approach to the psychological problems of mastectomy

Br J Clin Soc Psychiatr

Stress and activity management: group treatment for cancer patients and spouses

J Consult Clin Psychol

Group coping skills instruction and supportive group therapy for cancer patients, a comparison of strategies

J Consult Clin Psychol

Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement

Psychol Monogr

Original article
A relationship between perceived self-efficacy and quality of life in cancer patients