"You can't cure it so you have to endure it": the experience of adaptation to diabetic renal disease.
In this study, the experience of adaptation to diabetic renal disease was examined from a phenomenological perspective. Twenty patients attending a diabetic renal clinic were interviewed in depth. Through the use of a template analysis approach, a set of strong themes relating to changes in lifestyle was identified: changes in the nature of involvement with the medical system, coping strategies, and hopes, fears, and expectations. Almost all participants attempted to construct a "good adaptation" in the face of the uncertainties surrounding their condition by adopting a stoic and fatalistic stance. This is discussed in the context of the claim that contemporary society holds emotional self-expression rather than stoical endurance to be the appropriate response to suffering.
King
Nigel
N
Department of Behavioural Sciences, University of Huddersfield, UK.
Carroll
Carmen
C
Newton
Peggy
P
Dornan
Tim
T
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D003928:Diabetic Nephropathies / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D010684:Philosophy; D012650:Self Disclosure; D006113:United Kingdom