In this study, we assessed the patient–oncologist relationship, conceptualized as the working alliance from a dyadic perspective, and its relation to locus of control.

One hundred and three oncologist–patient dyads were recruited. Measures included a sociodemographic and medical questionnaire; the “internal, powerful others, and chance” locus of control scale; and the working alliance inventory.

Application of the actor–partner interdependence model yielded 2 actor effects: a positive association between oncologist “internal” locus of control and oncologist working alliance, and a negative association between oncologist “chance” locus of control and oncologist working alliance. It also yielded one partner effect: a positive association between oncologist “internal” locus of control and patient working alliance.

The actor–partner effect suggests that oncologists’ locus of control has a role in the establishment of the patient–oncologist working alliance; oncologists’ internal locus of control is a dominant factor affecting not only their own perceived alliance but patients’ perceived alliance as well.

Communication based on patient preferences can alleviate their psychological distress and is an important part of patient-centered care for physicians who have the task of conveying bad news to cancer patients. The present study aimed to explore the demographic, medical, and psychological factors associated with patient preferences with regard to communication of bad news.

Outpatients with a variety of cancers were consecutively invited to participate in our study after their follow-up medical visit. A questionnaire assessed their preferences regarding the communication of bad news, covering four factors—(1) how bad news is delivered, (2) reassurance and emotional support, (3) additional information, and (4) setting—as well as on demographic, medical, and psychosocial factors.

A total of 529 outpatients with a variety of cancers completed the questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses indicated that patients who were younger, female, had greater faith in their physician, and were more highly educated placed more importance on “how bad news is delivered” than patients who were older, male, had less faith in their physician, and a lower level of education. Female patients and patients without an occupation placed more importance on “reassurance and emotional support.” Younger, female, and more highly educated patients placed more importance on “additional information.” Younger, female, and more highly educated patients, along with patients who weren't undergoing active treatment placed more importance on “setting.”

Patient preferences with regard to communication of bad news are associated with factors related to patient background. Physicians should consider these characteristics when delivering bad news and use an appropriate communication style tailored to each patient.