Table 1.

 Example categories of patient cognition

Illness beliefs
• Identity	The bodily symptoms and label associated with the illness
• Causality	Beliefs about factors contributing to the onset of an illness
• Consequences	The expected outcomes and sequelae of the disease
• Time line	Beliefs concerning the moment of onset and expectations about the duration and periodicity of an illness
• Cure/control	How one may mediate or recover from a disease and the extent to which this is possible
• Helplessness	Evaluation of the illness that emphasises the negative meaning of the illness, focusing on the adverse aspects of the disease as uncontrollable, unpredictable and unchangeable
• Acceptance	Perceived ability to diminish, live with and master the aversive consequences of one’s disease; recognising the need to adapt to the chronic illness
• Perceived benefits	Additional positive consequences of the illness situation, such as changes in life priorities and personal goals, positive personality changes, and strengthened personal relationships
Treatment beliefs
• Concerns	The emotional impact and trepidation patients have at undergoing treatment
• Necessity	Beliefs about the necessity of the treatment for maintaining health now and in the future
• Treatment value	Patients’ beliefs about the positive effects of their treatment in controlling and arresting the progress of their illness
• Decision satisfaction	Patients evaluation of the decision process for choosing their treatment
• Cure	Patients’ beliefs regarding the ability of the treatment to resolve their illness and return them to their normal life
Patient resources
• Coping strategies	Specific efforts, behavioural and psychological, that individuals employ to master, tolerate, reduce, or minimise stressful events
• Self efficacy	The belief in one’s capabilities to organise and execute the sources of action required to manage prospective situations