The Diabetes World

This study examined the impact of early onset Type 1
diabetes on the development of the self and identity
in 20 adults age 20 or older who were diagnosed at
age five or younger. This study aimed to provide
insight into the intrinsic effects of a chronic
illness, as distinct from the adaptive process that
occurs when a person is diagnosed later in life. The
study employed a qualitative approach of descriptive
research in which systematic descriptions of the data
were provided.
This study found that participants generally felt
fortunate to have developed diabetes at a younger
age, as they did not have to cope with the process of
adjustment. Respondents mostly reported that the
diabetes had become integrated into their sense of
self. A number of character traits were thought to
have developed such as: being cautious or
disciplined; feeling greater appreciation of health;
being proud of surviving so long; developing inner
strength; and feeling greater appreciation for life.
All of the participants expressed having felt some
degree of difference when interacting with people who
did not have the condition. Some respondents felt
that their differences made them special.

Autorentext

Jessica Bernstein received her doctorate in psychology from John F. Kennedy University. Dr. Bernstein has a psychotherapy practice specializing in chronic illness issues. She has published articles in Diabetes Health Professional and Diabetes Health magazine. Dr. Bernstein is producing a documentary about diabetes entitled Blood & Honey.

Klappentext

This study examined the impact of early onset Type 1diabetes on the development of the self and identityin 20 adults age 20 or older who were diagnosed atage five or younger. This study aimed to provideinsight into the intrinsic effects of a chronicillness, as distinct from the adaptive process thatoccurs when a person is diagnosed later in life. Thestudy employed a qualitative approach of descriptiveresearch in which systematic descriptions of the datawere provided.This study found that participants generally feltfortunate to have developed diabetes at a youngerage, as they did not have to cope with the process ofadjustment. Respondents mostly reported that thediabetes had become integrated into their sense ofself. A number of character traits were thought tohave developed such as: being cautious ordisciplined; feeling greater appreciation of health;being proud of surviving so long; developing innerstrength; and feeling greater appreciation for life. All of the participants expressed having felt somedegree of difference when interacting with people whodid not have the condition. Some respondents feltthat their differences made them special.