The development of an empirical psychosocial taxonomy for patients with diabetes.
The main purpose of this study was to develop and to cross-validate an empirically derived psychosocial taxonomy of patients with diabetes. In the first study, 101 patients with Type I or Type II diabetes completed the Multidimensional Diabetes Questionnaire. Cluster analysis identified three clusters, labeled adaptive copers, low support-low involvement, and spousal overinvolvement. In the second study, the taxonomy was cross-validated using an independent sample of 132 patients with long-standing Type II diabetes. The results confirmed that the multivariate classification system was unique and highly accurate. External validation, using general psychological as well as diabetes-specific measures, supported the validity and distinctiveness of the patients' profiles. These findings help establish a multiaxial psychosocial taxonomy of diabetes and may have significant implications for the management of patients with diabetes.
Nouwen
A
A
Ecole de Psychologie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada. arie.nouwen@psy.ulaval.ca
Gingras
J
J
Talbot
F
F
Bouchard
S
S
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires