The mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between locus of control and post-traumatic growth in patients with cancer

It is known that being diagnosed with cancer may lead to trauma in the patient. In addition, several studies have found that post-traumatic growth can be observed in cancer patients. The present study aimed to examine the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between locus of control and post-traumatic growth in cancer patients, to evaluate the study variables according to the demographics and personal history of the participants, and to determine how their health behaviours correlated with the study variables. A total of 135 volunteer patients, aged between 18 and 65 and diagnosed with cancer, participated in the study. Data was collected through the Demographics and Personal History Form, Health Behaviours List, Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, Locus of Control Scale, and General Self-Efficacy Scale. The findings of the study suggested that self-efficacy has a mediating role in the relationship between locus of control and post-traumatic growth. It was also observed that post-traumatic growth widely varied according to socioeconomic level and social support. Based on these, it can be suggested that interventions aimed at increasing self-efficacy in clinical settings may help to create post-traumatic growth in cancer patients. The findings of the study were discussed within the framework of the relevant literature and recommendations were made for future research as well as for clinical applications.