COPING BEHAVIOR AND DEGREE OF DISCREPANCY BETWEEN RETROSPECTIVE AND PROSPECTIVE SELF-RATINGS OF CHANGE IN QUALITY-OF-LIFE IN TYPE-1 DIABETES-MELLITUS

Quality of life and metabolic control were examined in 74 adults with Type 1 diabetes mellitus in 1988. Sixty-six of the persons were follow ed up in 1990 with the aim of studying more closely the subgroup that showed a 'major' discrepancy between 'retrospective' and 'prospective' quality of life change ratings. 'Prospective' quality of life change was defined as the difference in assessed quality of life status betwe en 1990 and 1988. 'Retrospective' quality of life change was assessed directly by subjects in 1990 covering the same time period. Data on qu ality of life, well-being, sociodemographics and metabolic control wer e collected on both occasions. Recent life-change events and long-term complications were also recorded in 1990. Subjects with 'major, discr epancy reported greater retrospective quality of life improvement, hig her quality of life, and greater well-being, as well as lesser occurre nce of negative and greater occurrence of positive recent life-change events, than did those with 'minor' discrepancy, despite their exhibit ing, poorer metabolic control and a higher prevalence of incipient nep hropathy. The results are discussed in terms of possible coping and de fence strategies.