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Coping with diabetes in adulthood: a meta-analysis

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Abstract

Objective

A meta-analysis was performed to summarize the relations between coping dimensions (i.e., avoidance, approach, emotion-focused, and problem-focused) and indices of adjustment (i.e., overall, depression, anxiety, glycemic control) in individuals with diabetes.

Methods

Relevant methodological and statistical information was culled from 21 primary studies consisting of 3,381 people with diabetes. The correlation coefficient was used as the target effect size.

Results

Use of approach and problem-focused coping was associated with better overall adjustment (small-to-medium effect sizes). Avoidance and emotion-focused coping were not significantly related to overall adjustment. However, negative effect sizes medium-to-large in magnitude were found between emotion-focused coping and specific indices of adjustment (anxiety, depression).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that coping methods aimed at assuaging both the concomitant negative feelings and specific stressors, such as meeting with doctors and engaging in a new treatment regimen commonly associated with diabetes management, largely improve psychological health. However, these relations are dependent upon both the specific coping method used and the index of adjustment assessed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA

    Kate M. Duangdao

  2. Department of Psychology, College of Sciences, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-4611, USA

    Scott C. Roesch

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  1. Kate M. Duangdao
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  2. Scott C. Roesch
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Correspondence to Scott C. Roesch.

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Duangdao, K.M., Roesch, S.C. Coping with diabetes in adulthood: a meta-analysis. J Behav Med 31, 291–300 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-008-9155-6

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