Personal control and the needs for hope and information among adults diagnosed with cancer

Cancer patients inevitably experience situations in which their sense of personal control is diminished. Identifying the strategies used by these individuals to maintain or regain control can be an important component in the planning of care. This study examined the relationship between levels of perceived personal control and the needs for hope and information among 56 adult cancer patients. Subjects responded to the Needs Assessment Inventory and the Spheres of Control Scales. Data were analyzed using responses from the total group (n = 56), male subjects (n = 23), and female subjects (n = 33). Significant correlations were found between perceived level of control and eight issues related to hope and information-seeking.