Psychological adjustment to cancer in a collective culture

Author(s): Stewart, S. M.

Journal/Book: Int J Psychol. 2000; 35: 27 Church Rd, Hove BN3 2FA, East Sussex, England. Psychology Press. 177-185.

Abstract: We examined the associations between social support, health locus of control, neuroticism, and psychological adjustment (PA) in 152 Hong Kong Chinese patients. Our objective was to assess hypotheses relevant to the cohesive family structure, and the belief in external sources of control that pervade this culture. Use of social support by individuals who reported reliable support, and internal locus of control (ILOC) associated positively, and neuroticism associated negatively with PA. The independent variables accounted for up to 39% of the variance in PA measures. Our findings provide rare information about coping with serious illness in a non-Western culture. They illustrate the centrality of family relationships in Chinese culture. They suggest that even in a culture where supernatural beliefs are widespread, ILOC relates positively and ''chance'' beliefs relate negatively to adjustment. Finally they support the importance of controlling for neuroticism in examining stress.

Note: Article Stewart SM, Univ Hong Kong, Dept Community Med, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PEOPLES R CHINA

Keyword(s): GENERAL HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE; SOCIAL SUPPORT; CHINESE VERSION; BREAST-CANCER; SELF; LOCUS; LIFE; PREDICTORS

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