A Clinical Profile to Predict Decision Making, Risk Behaviors, Clinical Status, and Health-Related Quality of Life for Cancer-Surviving Adolescents

PART 1

Abstract

The purpose of this two-part series is to describe a multifactorial model of clinical factors predicting decision-making quality, risk behaviors, clinical status, and health-related quality of life for cancer-surviving adolescents. This model was developed as a clinical profile to help health professionals in better identifying cancer-surviving adolescents at highest risk for substance use. Findings in the literature and results from the program of research by the author are presented to support the conceptualization of the model. In part 1, support for the antecedent predictors, both primary and secondary factors, is presented. Part 2 addresses decision making as a mediator, risk motivation as a moderator, and the expected outcomes related to risk behaviors, clinical status, and quality of life. In addition to describing the first part of the clinical profile in part 1, the background, theoretical basis of the model, and definitions of the model constructs also are provided.