Abstract
The authors studied the effect of the perception of support network and HLOC on the mood of the pre-operative patients. Forty-seven cases of gastric- or esophagus-cancer, who were hospitalized for radical surgery after being announced, were chosen as subjects of the study. For the rating of interior- or exterior intermediary factors scales of support network and JHLC (Japanese Version of Health Locus of Control) were used, and for the rating of the mood or states of mind the scale of POMS (Profile of Mood States) was used. The results show that in the subjects with positive perception of emotional support network relatively lower levels of the feelings of“depression slump”,“fatigue”or“confusion”factors were observed. Because an instrumental support network lowers the feeling controlled by“life”or“vigor”factor, it is important for the pre-operative patients that they are given such spiritual support as to encourage them to perceive the“emotional support network”. Though no significant correlation between JHLC and states of mood of the patients was observed, it will be significant to create a condition or take a way of contact which would make clear the existence of patients' inherent control.
