PURPOSE the purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between
coping styles and psychosocial adjustment for women with diabetes.
METHODS The sample consisted of 115 community-residing women with diabetes.
Coping was measured by the Revised Jalowiec Coping Scale and psychosocial
adjustment by the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale. Pearson's produ
ct moment correlation was used to assess relationships between coping and a
djustment.
RESULTS The most frequently and effectively used coping styles were optimis
tic, confrontive, self-reliant, and supportant. The psychological, social,
and health care domains showed the most problems; the fewest were in the ex
tended family, sexual, and vocational domains. Relationships were found bet
ween women's coping styles and psychosocial adjustment, with better adjustm
ent associated with effective use of confrontive, supportant, optimistic, s
elf-reliant, and palliative coping styles.
CONCLUSIONS Important relationships exist between the ways women cope with
diabetes and their level of psychosocial adjustment to the illness. Knowled
ge of these relationships can help diabetes educators assist clients in mak
ing lifestyle changes.