Control beliefs in cancer: A literature review

Resum

The use of the control construct is widespread in research about chronic illness. Our aim was to analyse the relationship between perceived control and health outcomes in people with cancer. A search of databases (Medline, PsycINFO and Psicodoc) for articles published between 1966 and 2006 were conducted. Key words related to cancer, control beliefs and health outcomes were combined and searched resulting in the identification of 716 studies; 44 of the articles located met the criteria for inclusion in this review. The review showed that, firstly, selfefficacy beliefs had more power over patients’ adaptation than the other belief constructs. Secondly, locus of control beliefs were the most frequently assessed beliefs in the 44 studies; however, there was a lack of association between locus of control and health outcomes. Internal locus of control was the dimension with the most positive relationship with emotional status and quality of life.