Predisposition evaluation in locus of control placement in patients with oncologic diagnosis

The literature in the field of psycho-oncology shows a significant relationship between personality structure and the occurrence and evolution of the neoplastic disease. In this context some talk about personality type C, as one prone to cancer (Eysenck, H.J., 1988), a non-assertive personality, unable to effectively manage interpersonal relations, and with strong tendencies to perfection - all of these characteristics generate psychological distress that, ultimately, affect strongly the psychosomatic ensemble. This paper presents the case of a patient with an oncological diagnosis, aiming at the evolution of personality before and after diagnosis, and also considering the characteristics already mentioned. The purpose of the paper is to highlight the specific mode of the placement for locus of control in relationship with others, analyzing the decision-making style characteristically before and after diagnosis. To assess the placement of the locus of control in the relationship, and the patient's ability to handle stress before cancer diagnosis, were used the following psychological instruments: anamnesis; Life Events Schedule - LES, authors T.H. Holmes şi R.H. Rahe (1967); Locus of Control Scale, author J.B. Rotter (1966). For the assessment of stress management and placement of locus of control after diagnosis, were used: a en_US 3 clinical interview; psychological observation; Anxiety and Depression Diagram – HARD, authors J. Rufin şi M. Ferreri (1984); Freiburg Personality Inventory – FPI, authors J. Fahrenberg, H. Selg, R. Hampel (1978). The patient had major difficulties in managing stress before and after diagnosis, showing almost a permanent predisposition to an internal placement of locus of control. The patient also formulates unrealistic expectations towards close people, shows a negative self-image, presents major difficulties in expressing emotions, and develops certain phobic tendencies. Psychologically, neoplastic disease may be associated with an inability to establish and maintain secure social relationships, caused by a deficiency in the settlement of locus of control, placed almost in an exclusively internal manner. The person begins to attack the self-image of the other, perceived as unable to manage their existence, reason for wich she is overloading of responsibilities in a irrational way.