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Why me? Attributions and adjustment by cancer patients and their mates at two stages in the disease process

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  • Gotay, Carolyn Cook

Abstract

This research investigated how cancer patients at early and advanced stage disease (N = 73) and their mates (N = 39) attributed causality for the disease, their levels of adjustment and the relationship between attributions and adjustment. Data were collected through semi-structured home interviews. Results indicated that the largest numbers of individuals cited chance as the cause of the cancer, although many reported that they had not asked themselves the question, 'Why me?'. Adjustment measures indicated, in general, more similarities than differences between groups. Attributions were not significant predictors of adjustment. It is suggested that not making strong causal attributions may be adaptive for cancer patients and their families.

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  • Gotay, Carolyn Cook, 1985. "Why me? Attributions and adjustment by cancer patients and their mates at two stages in the disease process," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 20(8), pages 825-831, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:20:y:1985:i:8:p:825-831
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    Cited by:

    1. Gallan, Andrew S. & Helkkula, Anu & McConnell, William R., 2024. "Why did this happen to me? Causal attributions of illness and cultural health capital," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 350(C).
    2. Kernan, William David & Lepore, Stephen J., 2009. "Searching for and making meaning after breast cancer: Prevalence, patterns, and negative affect," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 68(6), pages 1176-1182, March.
    3. Lee, Virginia & Robin Cohen, S. & Edgar, Linda & Laizner, Andrea M. & Gagnon, Anita J., 2006. "Meaning-making intervention during breast or colorectal cancer treatment improves self-esteem, optimism, and self-efficacy," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 62(12), pages 3133-3145, June.

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