The role of generalized expectancies of control on coping and psychological adjustment in women with breast cancer

The role of three generalized expectancies of control (GEC) -self-efficacy, locus of control and success- on coping and psychological adjustment (anxiety and depression) in women with breast cancer was analysed. A total of 52 women participated in this research. Sample was split in two groups from their scores in the BEEGC-28, a measure of the GEC. A Generalized Expectancies of Control Cognitive Pattern (GECCP) with two levels, high and low (high and low scores in GEC, respectively), was generated. The sample contributing to the analyses was of 27 women. Results show that a high GECCP was associated with a more use of seeking social support, planful problem solving, distancing and positive reappraisal strategies, and less use of the escape-avoidance strategy. Moreover, women with a high GECCP showed low levels of anxiety and depression, which may lead to suggest that this pattern may be acting as a mechanism of protection for stress response.