Cognitive appraisals in cancer patients.

Coping with cancer was examined using interviews with outpatient subjects in a correlational design. Specific attention was given to the relationships between cognitive appraisals and various aspects of adjustment. Appraisals were selected in accord with Lazarus' (1980) model of coping. The primary appraisal of perceived life threat appeared negatively related to adjustment. The primary appraisal process also appeared to involve multiple, simultaneous appraisals. Several secondary appraisals emerged as correlates of adjustment: perceived personal control, God-control, and chance-control, along with perceived control over emotional reactions. Overall, cognitive appraisals appeared to be modest predictors of adjustment.