Psychological adjustment to Type 2 diabetes and relationship quality.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To examine the associations between psychological adjustment to Type 2 diabetes and the reported quality and type of relationships with partners. METHODS: All participants (n=88) completed a number of questionnaires, including two measures of relationship quality the Dyadic Adjustment Scale and the Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships Scale, the Diabetes Quality of Life Scale and the ATT-19 (which assesses personal integration of diabetes). Additionally, HbA(1c) levels were obtained from medical notes. RESULTS: Measures of relationship quality significantly contributed to the explanation of two outcomes: personal integration of diabetes and satisfaction with the burden of self-management behaviours. More specifically, the findings demonstrate that a specific aspect of relationship quality--intimacy in recreational activities--is positively associated with the outcomes mentioned above. CONCLUSIONS: People with Type 2 diabetes who are not taking insulin, who share engagement in physical activities with their partner are more likely to be psychologically well-adjusted to their diagnosis of diabetes.