title: Assessment of coping strategies, social support, and general health status in individuals with diabetes mellitus.
abstract: This study examined 51 individuals (30 men, 21 women) who participated in an outpatient diabetes education program. Participants with higher perceived support by friends and problem-solving coping strategies were healthier, while those exhibiting a wish-fulfillment coping style were less healthy. Perceived family social support was much greater for Type II (noninsulin-dependent) individuals than for Type I (insulin-dependent) individuals. Men perceived greater family support, were more likely to use problem-solving coping, and were healthier than women; however, both wish fulfillment and detachment coping were more prevalent in women. Perceived support from family and friends increased with education. Implications for diabetes education programs are also introduced.
authors.affiliation: Northwestern Memorial Hospital Diabetes Center.
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Kvam
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Lyons
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000523:psychology*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010552:Personality Assessment; D012803:Sick Role; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support