External locus of control and quality of life among Malaysian breast cancer patients: The mediating role of coping strategies

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of coping strategies in the relationship between external locus of control and quality of life among breast cancer patients. A convenience sample of 130 Malaysian breast cancer patients participated in this study. Using a multiple mediation model analysis, we found a negative relationship between powerful others and patients' quality of life and the mediation of active-emotional coping between powerful others and quality of life. The findings indicated the need for early, targeted psychological interventions seeking to encourage externally oriented cancer patients to use more active emotional coping strategies as it may improve their quality of life.

KEYWORDS:

• breast cancer
• coping strategy
• locus of control
• mediation
• quality of life

Funding

This work was supported by the Taylor's University Research Grant (TRGS/ERFS/1/2015/TBS/014).