Self-concept and cancer in adults: theoretical and methodological issues.
Research and theory development on the self-concept have increased dramatically over the last decade. Investigators of the psychosocial aspects of cancer have utilized the self-concept as both an independent and dependent variable. This article discusses quantitative adult studies from the self-concept and cancer literature in terms of their correspondence with current conceptualizations of the self-concept in psychology. The wide gap between recent empirical work and self-concept theorizing is discussed and strategies for future investigations of the self-concept/cancer relationship are outlined.
Curbow
B
B
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Somerfield
M
M
Legro
M
M
Sonnega
J
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept