Defining Attributes
The defining attributes of a concept represent a cluster of qualities most frequently
associated with the concept in the literature. Such elements help differentiate self-advocacy
from related concepts and allow for Thoughts and cognitions—Self-advocates are able to create a ‘new normal where they
adjust and accept life with cancer as an aspect of their life rather than a temporary deviation
(Zebrack 2001). Self-advocates are also able to prioritize their needs and wants during the
varying phases of survivorship (Clark 1996), Gray et al. 2005, Leigh 2006). Thirdly, selfadvocates
hold an underlying sense of empowerment, defined as a sense of command over
the obstacles related to cancer (Davison & Degner 1997, Gibson 1991easy identification of self-advocacy in action. Selfadvocacy’s
defining attributes (Figure 2) represent internalizing and leveraging the
antecedents of self-advocacy into efforts to manage the challenges associated with cancer in
a way that upholds the survivors’ personal goals and beliefs. These attributes can be
categorized into three categories: