How supernatural and scientific beliefs influence individual cancer prevention behaviors: an empirical study of young Chinese adults

Introduction The global increase in the incidence of early-onset cancer underscores the urgent need to understand the behavioral determinants of prevention effectiveness. This study aimed to examine the fundamental roles of supernatural and scientific beliefs in shaping health-related cognitions and their potentially conflicting influences on cancer prevention behaviors. Methods Based on health locus of control (HLOC) theory, a dual-pathway attitudinal model was developed and tested using a two-step procedure to validate the model with data from a national survey ( N = 938) of young Chinese adults. Results The results indicated that both supernatural and scientific beliefs significantly predicted cancer control beliefs and prevention behaviors. Specifically, Chinese supernatural beliefs negatively predicted cancer prevention behaviors through cancer fatalism (external HLOC). In contrast, positive scientific attitudes were positively associated with cancer prevention behaviors through cancer controllability (internal HLOC). Furthermore, positive scientific attitudes mitigated the detrimental effects of supernatural beliefs on cancer prevention behaviors by reducing cancer fatalism and strengthening perceived cancer controllability. Discussion These findings elucidate the underlying factors contributing to both effective and ineffective cancer prevention and identify potential pathways for intervention and education. Both theoretical and practical implications are discussed.