Objectives In this study, we assessed the patient–oncologist relationship, conceptualized as the working alliance from a dyadic perspective, and its relation to locus of control. Methods One hundred and three oncologist–patient dyads were recruited. Measures included a sociodemographic and medical questionnaire; the “internal, powerful others, and chance” locus of control scale; and the working alliance inventory. Results Application of the actor–partner interdependence model yielded 2 actor effects: a positive association between oncologist “internal” locus of control and oncologist working alliance, and a negative association between oncologist “chance” locus of control and oncologist working alliance. It also yielded one partner effect: a positive association between oncologist “internal” locus of control and patient working alliance. Significance of results The actor–partner effect suggests that oncologists’ locus of control has a role in the establishment of the patient–oncologist working alliance; oncologists’ internal locus of control is a dominant factor affecting not only their own perceived alliance but patients’ perceived alliance as well.
Objective Accumulating research suggests that the working alliance (WA) is a key component in the patient–oncologist relationship. Attachment theory provides a useful framework for understanding this alliance within the oncological setting, where patients' attachment systems are often activated. This study examined the association between attachment orientations of both dyad members (i.e., patient and oncologist) and patients' WA experience. It also probed whether this link was mediated by patients' attachment‐related attitudes towards the oncologist, using a recently developed measure. Method Oncologists and their respective patients (N = 113: 103 patients, 10 oncologists) were sampled at oncological clinics. Eligible patients filled out online measures of the WA, attachment‐related attitudes, and attachment orientations. The later was also completed by oncologists. Results Structural equation modeling demonstrated that both patients' and oncologists' avoidant attachment orientation inversely predicted patients' WA experience, via patients' experience of feeling unsupported by their oncologists. Conclusions Findings suggest that attributes of both members of the patient–oncologist dyad are related to patients' WA experience, and that attachment‐related attitudes towards oncologists occur within this relationship. Oncologists' understanding of patients' unique attachment behaviors, as well as their own such behaviors, could improve cancer patients' quality of care and illness outcomes. Results represent another step forward in fully exploring whether oncologists can serve as attachment figures for their patients.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.