An examination of the communal coping process in recently diagnosed diabetes

• Published in: Journal of social and personal relationships 2019-04, Vol.36 (4), p.1297-1316
• Main Authors: Van Vleet, Meredith, Helgeson, Vicki S., Seltman, Howard J., Korytkowski, Mary T., Hausmann, Leslie R. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chronic illnesses; Coping; Diabetes; Diabetics; Hypotheses; Insight; Patients; Psychological distress; Receptivity; Self care; Self-efficacy; Spouses; Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• ISSN: 0265-4075; 1460-3608
• DOI: 10.1177/0265407518761226

Communal coping, which involves a shared illness appraisal and engaging in collaboration when illness-related problems arise, is likely beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this work was to examine the process by which communal coping may lead to such benefits. First, we hypothesized that illness-related interactions characterized by more communal coping would involve greater spouse support provision and greater patient receptivity to support. Second, we hypothesized that such interactions would lead to greater perceived problem resolution and more positive perceptions of the interaction. Third, we expected communal coping to predict changes in long-term diabetes outcomes—increased self-efficacy, improved self-care, and reduced diabetes distress—6 months later. Finally, we predicted that these long-term links would be partially explained by the immediate interaction outcomes. We tested these hypotheses in a sample of 123 persons with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes and their spouses. Patient and spouse communal coping was observed in the laboratory during a diabetes stressor discussion, and patients reported outcomes immediately after the discussion and 6 months later. Results were largely consistent with hypotheses, but spouse communal coping was more consistently linked to support outcomes, and only patient communal coping was linked to changes in long-term outcomes. This work contributes to the literature indicating communal coping is beneficial for individuals with chronic illness and provides insight into the process by which communal coping exerts these effects.