A Concept Analysis: Sense of Control with Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Abstract

Purpose: To clarify the characteristics of the sense of control in cancer survivors. Methods: We searched for articles, published between 1996 and August 2008, related to the sense of control in cancer survivors, using keywords such as ‘sense of control’ and ‘cancer survivors’ in Medline, CINAHL, CiNii, and other databases. We extracted attributes, antecedents, and consequences of the concept from the references and analyzed their characteristics using Rodgers’ concept analysis method. Results: Sense of control in cancer survivor comprises attributes such as ‘diverse’, ‘dynamic’, ‘conscious’, ‘acceptance of involvement’, and ‘well acquainted with life’, as well as cancer survivors’ uncertainty. Antecedents included ‘belief’, ‘relationship with others’, ‘self-confidence’, and ‘quantity and quality of cancer information’. ‘Quality of life’, ‘better adaptation’, and ‘coexistence with cancer’ were described as consequences. Discussion: ‘Sense of control in cancer survivors’ is an important concept, where survivors strive for a better quality of life and adaptation while maintaining a dynamic diversity. They continue to adapt for a future coexistence with cancer, considering it an innate human characteristic, and search for future prospects while dealing with a stressful event such as cancer.