Predicting the Onset or Progression of Cancer from Psychological Characteristics

Abstract

Numerous studies have attempted to predict the onset or progression of cancer from psychological variables. This article reviews several representative studies and the psychometric and conceptual issues they raise by focusing on one site-testicular cancer. The authors argue that this research strategy, although sometimes interesting from a scientific perspective, consists of the implicit adoption of the medical model into sychosocial oncology research. They question the utility of this model from the perspectives of the researcher and the patient.