The moderating effects of anxiety and breast cancer locus of control on depression

Abstract

Research suggests that depression and anxiety can affect quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Moreover, certain cognitive control beliefs have been implicated in the development and maintenance of both depression and anxiety. The present study examined the relationship between breast cancer locus of control beliefs and depression in early-stage breast cancer survivors. The role of anxiety in moderating the relation between breast cancer locus of control and depression was also examined. Results showed that certain locus of control scores interact with anxiety to predict depression in early-stage breast cancer survivors. Findings further suggest that certain control beliefs previously considered adaptive in non-medically ill populations may be maladaptive in early-stage breast cancer survivors. Implications for further research are discussed.