Coping with radiation therapy: optimism and the effect of preparatory interventions.

To test the hypotheses that pessimists might benefit from concrete objective information based on self-regulation theory and that optimists might benefit from instruction in self-care and coping based on self-care theory, 62 patients receiving radiation therapy (RT) for prostate cancer were studied. The two experimental and control intervention messages were given three times during RT. Mood and disruption of activities were assessed three times during and three times after RT. The self-care instruction had no effects on either outcome. The prediction from self-regulation theory was supported, in part, with concrete objective information having a positive effect on mood among pessimistic patients. Concrete objective information resulted in less recreation and pastime disruption in both optimistic and pessimistic patients at the times they experienced the most RT side effects.