SELF-ESTEEM, PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING AND LOCUS OF CONTROL AMONG BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

Abstract

The present study aimed to explore the interrelationship among self-esteem,
psychological wellbeing and locus of control; to find out the demographic
differences on these variables among breast cancer patients. Rosenberg SelfEsteem Scale, Psychological Wellbeing Scale, and The Locus of Control Scale
were administered on the purposive sample of 150 breast cancer women in
different cities of Pakistan. Two age groups were taken (25-35 years; younger
patients) and (36-50 years; older patients), with different educational levels
(above F.A.) and (below F.A.), on the basis of tenure of illness (I & II; early
stages) and (III & IV; advanced stages). The correlational data found
significant positive correlation of self-esteem with psychological wellbeing
and locus of control. Significant positive correlation of older women was
found with self-esteem and internal locus of control, and of younger women
with external locus of control. Significant educational differences
demonstrated high self-esteem, psychological wellbeing and internal locus of
control in women with high qualification. Significant negative correlation of
breast cancer stages found with self-esteem, psychological wellbeing and for
locus of control, early staged (I & II) women have higher level of Internal
Locus of Control, and advanced staged (III & IV) women have higher level of
External Locus of Control. The study will help out in mounting ways through
which clinicians or therapists can educate patients to combat the stressful
psychological effects of this chronic illness.