title: Perceived control mediates the prospective impact of relationship quality in the year after colorectal cancer diagnosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Negative cancer-related intrusive thoughts reduce the benefit of relationship quality on the psychological adjustment of cancer patients. Little is known about the role of perceived control over cancer-related problems in the association between relationship quality and adjustment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study examined whether perceived personal control (i.e., on one's own) and collective control (i.e., collaboration with family/friends) mediate the associations between relationship quality and psychological outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Chinese colorectal cancer patients (n = 234) were assessed at diagnosis (T1) and at 3- (T2) and 12-month (T3) follow-ups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  T2 collective control mediated the association between T1 family relationship quality and T3 satisfaction with life. The negative association between T1 family relationship quality and T3 depression was independent of T2 personal/collective control.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Collective control mediates the relationship between family relationship quality and satisfaction with life, suggesting the need for interventions to enhance relationship quality and perceived control among newly diagnosed cancer patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Studies, The Hong Kong Institute of Education, 10 Lo Ping Road, Tai Po, NT, Hong Kong. wkhou@ied.edu.hk
authors.forename: Wai Kai
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Hou
authors.forename: Jacky Ho Yin
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Wan
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D044466:Asian People; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends / Q000523:psychology*; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support