Locus of control among black and white women with breast cancer: A preliminary study

Although black women are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer tha n are white women, they are more likely to be adversely affected. However, little attention has been paid to how these women cope with the disease or whether black and white women differ in their beliefs regarding control of breast cancer. Using a comparative design, this study analyzed the differen ces in health locus of control between black and white women with breast ca ncer. The findings suggest that the health locus of control among women in both groups tends to be external. They attributed control of their breast c ancer to their physicians, to other people, and to chance to a greater exte nt than to their own control. The findings point to the importance of asses sing women with breast cancer for feelings of powerlessness and providing i nterventions that help them gain a sense of control regarding treatment dec isions and prognosis.