The construct of control in mind-body medicine: Implications for healthcare

Research suggests that one of the principal reasons patients are attracted to alternative medicine is thar they find many of these therapies more cong ruent with their philosophical orientation toward health. Many mind-body ap proaches, which are some of the most frequently used classifications of com plementary and alternative therapies, grow our of research demonstrating th e important role of psychological factors in treating and preventing illnes s. This article reveiws research on one such factor-control-and its importa nce in health. Studies demonstrating the following are highlighted: (1) ill ness frequently, results in feelings of loss of control; (2) gaining a sens e of control ran help patients to rope with illness; (3) whereas control ma y influence physiological function and health outcomes, the amount of activ e control Ive can exercise oiler physical functioning and health is limited ; and (4) it is important to match control strategies to patient control st yles and preferences. The implications of mind-body studies are also disrus sen.