The role of the self in adjustment to cancer has been noted but is not
well understood. Research and theory on the self suggest that discrep
ancies between actual and ideal self-conceptions influence adjustment
and mediate the effects of disease-related health problems on psycholo
gical well-being. This relationship was investigated in a cross-sectio
nal study of 108 persons with cancer. Cancer patients who had more sym
ptoms and worse functional health and perceived their cancer as a chro
nic rather than an acute disease had higher levels of self-discrepanci
es and poorer adjustment. Self-discrepancy was a significant mediator
of the effects of perceived health status on purpose in life, positive
relations with others, and depression.