Cooperation with treatment in adolescent cancer patients.

Twenty-seven adolescent cancer patients were rated by two pediatric oncology nurses using a ten-item cooperation questionnaire. Cooperation scores were compared with patient ratings of self-image, perception of cancer, health locus of control, and knowledge of cancer. Although all patients were generally cooperative, younger adolescents appeared to be more cooperative than older adolescents. A significant positive relationship was found between cooperation and self-image whereas a negative relationship emerged between cooperation and an external locus of control orientation. Patients rated high in cooperation perceived cancer to be a more life-threatening disease than patients rated low in cooperation.