Can Social Support and Control Agency Change Illness Consequences? Evidence from Cervix Cancer Patients

Abstract

Research has demonstrated facilitative effects of social support on psychological and physical well-being of individuals suffering from chronic health problems. Social support can change not only patients' perception of their health problems , but also the consequences of their illness. In the present study with cervix cancer patients, the relationship of social support and illness control agency with illness consequences and health outcome beliefs was examined. Emotional, informational, social companionship and practical supports were found to be negatively correlated with the severity of interpersonal, physiological and psychological consequences of illness. Patients' belief in self-control and doctor-control was related to less severity and less pain of illness, and strong hope for better health outcomes.