Control beliefs, emotional status and psychosocial adaptation in breast cancer patients at the follow-up stage.

Abstract

In the follow-up stage, breast cancer patients (BCP) have previous control experiences, which determine the subsequent attribution and expectations of control beliefs. Aim: To determine the best profile of specific and more general control beliefs and assess their impact on emotional status and psychosocial adaptation over time. Method: 131 BCP were interviewed attending a standard follow-up protocol in the oncology outpatient unit. Results: Clusters having higher general control beliefs were associated with better emotional status and psychosocial adaptation than the cluster with lower general control beliefs and higher specific control beliefs. Moreover, two general control beliefs and one specific control belief were the best predictors of adaptation to illness over time. Conclusion: Our results suggest that overall perceptions of control are related to good emotional status and adaptation.