Locus of Control Among Black and White Women with Breast Cancer

Abstract

Although black women are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than are white women, they are more likely to be adversely affected. However, little attention has been paid to how these women cope with the disease or whether black and white women differ in their beliefs regarding control of breast cancer. Using a comparative design, this study analyzed the differences in health locus of control between black and white women with breast cancer. The findings suggest that the health locus of control among women in both groups tends to be external. They attributed control of their breast cancer to their physicians, to other people, and to chance to a greater extent than to their own control. The findings point to the importance of assessing women with breast cancer for feelings of powerlessness and providing interventions that help them gain a sense of control regarding treatment decisions and prognosis.

Key Words:

• Breast cancer
• coping
• locus of control
• race