Abstract
Introduction: Type 2 diabetes as a chronic disease significantly affects the physical and psychological well-being of patients. Effective coping strategies and a sense of life satisfaction are essential for navigating the challenges associated with diabetes. This study aims to examine and compare the coping styles and levels of life satisfaction among type 2 diabetes patients and healthy individuals.
Methods: In a case-control design 234 participants, which included 117 type 2 diabetes patients and 117 healthy controls were evaluated through the Lazarus and Folkman Coping Strategies Questionnaire and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and ANCOVA tests were applied for between-group comparisons and the confounding factor adjustments.
Findings: Patients with type 2 diabetes reported markedly lower life satisfaction compared to the control group (P=0.029). They were more inclined to employ emotion-focused coping strategies, such as avoidance (P<0.001), whereas healthy individuals primarily relied on problem-focused coping techniques, such as problem-solving (P<0.001). The coping style differences between the two studied groups remained significant even after adjusting for confounding variables such as age and gender.
Conclusion: Patients with type 2 diabetes often use emotion-focused coping strategies, which may lead to decreased life satisfaction. It is suggested to apply psychological interventions in type 2 diabetes patients which may promote adaptive coping mechanisms and enhance overall well-being.