title: Causal attribution and adaptation among lung cancer patients.
abstract: The aim of the present study was to describe lung cancer patients' causal attributions and examine their associations with adaptation. Methods were based on semi-structured interview, content analysis, self-reports, interviewer ratings and standardized questionnaires. 'Smoking cigarettes' and 'toxins in the work place' were the most commonly mentioned possible causes. Patients who made a psychosocial causal attribution suffered greater emotional distress, were more depressed, and less hopeful than other patients. They were also more likely to be rated as showing a maladaptive way of coping with illness. The implications of these findings for psychosocial care are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008019:Life Style; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D010552:Personality Assessment; D012803:Sick Role; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology