Coping strategies and sense of control in patients with oncological disease

The aim of the study was to diagnose dependence and intergroup differences in terms of strategies adopted against cancer, self-efficacy, and demographic and medical variables in oncological patients.

The practical goal for patient psychotherapy was to develop psychoeducational training programs and guides in the field of psychological problems in cancer, addressed to specific groups of patients.

The study used: demographic index, Mini-MAC scale (Scale of Psychic Adaptation to Cancer Disease), and GSES (General Self-Efficacy Scale). We examined 572 patients, aged 18-75 years, with diagnosed cancer treated during hospitalisation in oncology clinics. The survey consisted of a survey measurement, one-time, voluntary, and anonymous. The obtained results clearly indicate that factors related to the psychological aspect of the patient’s functioning with cancer are translated into the process of oncological treatment and rehabilitation. There is a relationship between strategies for coping with cancer and self-efficacy as well as demographic and medical factors in oncologically ill patients. There are differences in the intensity of attitudes and strategies for coping with the disease and self-efficacy in relation to demographic and medical factors in oncological patients. The results are a prerequisite for increasing the number of complementary interventions in the treatment of oncologic patients (psychological support, social, rehabilitation, art therapy), in order to develop a constructive strategy for the patient to deal with the disease and develop a higher sense of self-efficacy, because it translates into greater involvement of the patient in the treatment and rehabilitation process.