CHAPTER II
 REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

 The relationship between psychosocial variables and

cancer has been studied through two distinct approaches. The

first consisted of investigation of the relationship between

psychosocial variables and the development of cancer. The

earliest studies approached the problem in this way. The

second approach consisted of investigation of the relation-

ship between psychosocial variables and the progression of

cancer.

 The methodology and findings of both approaches to this

relationship are reviewed in this chapter. Studies of the

relationship between psychosocial variables and the develop-

ment of cancer are reviewed in order to develop a perspective

of the theoretical and methodological issues. Investigations

concerning psychosocial variables and the progression of

disease are discussed in greater depth insofar as the

findings of these studies are most relevant to the research

questions of this study.

 The first section, Psychosocial Variables and the

Development of Cancer, includes theoretical concepts,

research findings, and an evaluation and summary of studies

that focus on psychosocial variables as possible causes of