Attachment orientations and spouse support in adults with type 2 diabetes

This study was designed to better understand psychosocial factors that may influence diabetes control. An attachment theoretical perspective was adopted to define the relationship between attachment orientation and perceived spousal diabetes-related support. 81 married male patients with type 2 diabetes were assessed for demographics, HbA1c, and their association with attachment orientations and diabetes-related spousal support. A negative: association between attachment avoidance and both positive and negative support was found. In addition, among patients scoring high on avoidance, the duration of diabetes was associated with increeise in HbA1c levels. Thus, patients scoring high on avoidance are more likely to view spousal interaction as less supportive and may find such support intrusive and detrimental. In these patients, emphasis should be on self-reliance and confidence and less on spousal support. Prospective studies will be able to show if personality assessment will have a positive impact on diabetes related outcome.