Impact of diabetes disclosure on perceptions of eating and self-care behaviors.
This study investigated whether disclosure of diabetes and gender influenced perceptions of eating and self-care behaviors.



A vignette was developed in which a hypothetical friend engaged in diabetes self-care behaviors during a meal. Respondents (231 young adults) read vignettes that varied according to a 2 x 2 design (male vs female, preventative disclosure vs nondisclosure of diabetes). Participants answered 12 questions, which resulted in 2 factors: concern for friend and encourage professional help.



Significantly higher scores resulted on the concern for friend and encourage professional help factors when diabetes was not disclosed. Female characters also received significantly higher scores on the concern for friend factor.



Individuals with diabetes who choose to disclose their illness may prevent negative or incorrect perceptions related to self-care and eating behaviors, and may have a decreased likelihood that a true eating disorder would be identified by others.
Berlin
Kristoffer S
KS
The Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Sass
Daniel A
DA
The Department of Educational Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Davies
W Hobart
WH
The Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee|The Medical College of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Hains
Anthony A
AA
The Department of Educational Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D003927:Diet, Diabetic / Q000523:psychology; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires