Date of Award

Fall 1985

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Nursing

Abstract

Based on Locus of Control construct and research on effective coping skills (ie: seeking information), this study examined the effect of a structured patient education course on cancer patients' health locus of control. The Health Locus of Control Scale (HLC) developed by Wallston, Kaplan and Meides was employed to measure the effect of I Can Cope cancer information classes on cancer patients' health locus of control. Cancer patients who attended I Can Cope courses were contacted to participate in the study. A total of 18 cancer patients volunteered. Subjects completed the HLC scale prior to the I Can Cope course and two weeks after the course ended. Demographic data were collected via a short questionnaire. Pre course HLC scores ranged from 25 to 47 with a mean score of 36.7. Of these, 10 subjects were "Externals" and 8 were "Internals". Post course HLC scores ranged from 28 to 40 with a mean score of 32. Only 5 post course scores were external and 9 were internal. A Mann Whitney U-test did not reveal a significant (p < 0.01) change in pre and post HLC scores. The null hypothesis that the I Can Cope course would not change the subjects' HLC scores was accepted. However, clinical significance was noted in this evaluative study. Eight subjects did retain their internality and at least one subject did convert from an External to an Internal. The study contributes evidence to the effectiveness of seeking information as an effective coping skill in maintaining control over illness.

Download

Share

COinS

Restricted Access Item

Having trouble?