Reasons for Open and Closed Attitudes Regarding Type 1 Diabetes
Keywords
Open and Closed Attitudes, Type 1 Diabetes
Abstract
Thirty-one adults with type 1 diabetes participated in this qualitative study to explore reasons why they were willing (had an open attitude) or unwilling (had a closed attitude) to disclose diabetes-related information to others. Participants (61.3% female, mean age 38.48 years, mean duration of diabetes 21.94 years, 100% white) answered open-ended questions about living with type 1 diabetes. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded to identify major patterns that emerged in the data. Reasons for open attitudes included support from others, confidence and feeling comfortable, feeling normal despite diabetes, seeking to educate, and feeling that it was not a major concern to share information with others. Reasons for closed attitudes included fear of discrimination, misunderstanding from others, embarrassment and shame, and feeling that it was not a major concern to share information. A higher number of participants reported open attitudes after diagnosis than at initial diagnosis; a lower number of participants reported closed attitudes after diagnosis than at initial diagnosis. Professionals should consider effective forms of type 1 diabetes– related education to reduce diabetes misconceptions and discrimination against diagnosed individuals. This may help individuals feel more open and willing to adhere to and seek assistance with their diabetes-related self-care.
Original Publication Citation
*Easler, J., *Haueter, H., Roper, S. O., Freeborn, D. & Dyches, T. (2018). Reasons for open and closed attitudes regarding type 1 diabetes in adults. Diabetes Spectrum, 31(1), 37-46. https://doi.org/10.2337/ds16-0054
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Taylor, Tina M.; Easler, Jamie K.; Haueter, Helena M.; Roper, Susanne Olsen; and Freeborn, Donna, "Reasons for Open and Closed Attitudes Regarding Type 1 Diabetes" (2022). Faculty Publications. 7327.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/7327
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2022
Publisher
American Diabetes Association
Language
English
College
David O. McKay School of Education
Department
Counseling Psychology and Special Education
Copyright Status
©2017 by the American Diabetes Association. Readers may use this article as long as the work is properly cited, the use is educational and not for profit, and the work is not altered. See http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0 for details
Copyright Use Information
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