Dyadic Level Coping and the Effects on Diabetes Management and Control in Couples with One Partner Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes

In an attempt to improve treatment adherence in type 2 diabetes patients, researchers are turning to the couple system as one potential point of intervention. However, due to the lack of knowledge surrounding the role general relationship processes have in influencing diabetes management behaviors, very few couple-based interventions exist. Therefore, the current pilot study assesses the potential importance, and feasibility, of examining dyadic coping processes in the context of diabetes management and support among couples where one partner has type 2 diabetes. Preliminary findings suggest dyadic coping processes of both partners may be important in helping understand how general couple relationship processes can be used as a point of intervention for treating type 2 diabetes. However, a full-scale study is not feasible without adaptations to the current study protocol, measurements, recruitment procedures and funding.