Abstract
OBJECTIVES: In this study, we assessed the patient-oncologist relationship, conceptualized as the working alliance from a dyadic perspective, and its relation to locus of control. METHODS: One hundred and three oncologist-patient dyads were recruited. Measures included a sociodemographic and medical questionnaire; the "internal, powerful others, and chance" locus of control scale; and the working alliance inventory. RESULTS: Application of the actor-partner interdependence model yielded 2 actor effects: a positive association between oncologist "internal" locus of control and oncologist working alliance, and a negative association between oncologist "chance" locus of control and oncologist working alliance. It also yielded one partner effect: a positive association between oncologist "internal" locus of control and patient working alliance. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The actor-partner effect suggests that oncologists' locus of control has a role in the establishment of the patient-oncologist working alliance; oncologists' internal locus of control is a dominant factor affecting not only their own perceived alliance but patients' perceived alliance as well.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 41-48 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Palliative and Supportive Care |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Early online date | 12 Oct 2022 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1 Feb 2024 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press.
Keywords
- Cancer
- Locus of control
- Oncology
- Patient–oncologist relationship
- Working alliance
