Prospective studies have essentially supported the

contention that psychological factors associated with stress

are predictive of later cancer development (Greer & Morris,

1975; Hagnell, 1966; Harrower, Thomas & Altman, 1975; Thomas,

1976). Horne and Picard (1979) reported that individuals

that were subsequently diagnosed with malignant lung tumors

reported less job stability, lack of plans for the future,

and loss of a significant relationship in the preceding five

years relative to patients that developed benign lung tumors.

 The notion of a role of traumatic separation in the

development of cancer has not, however, been supported by

other findings (Graham, Snell, Graham, & Ford, 1971; Greer &

Morris, 1975; Muslin, Gyarfas, & Pieper, 1966).

Depression and hopelessness

 Depression and hopelessness are frequently asserted to

be characteristic of persons who develop cancer. Engel

(1967) noted the view of the giving up/given-up syndrome with

its attendant affects of hopelessness and helplessness as

being a frequent precipitant of disease in general. However,

most of the studies reporting in this area are based on

retrospective analysis of diagnosed patients; controls are

lacking.

 According to one group of researchers (LeShan, 1966;

LeShan & Reznikoff, 1960; LeShan & Worthington, 1956) deple-

tion and depression earmarked patients who were experiencing