140 Self-Control of Adults With T1D and Their Perceptions of Partner Involvement

Faculty Mentor: Cynthia Berg (Psychology, University of Utah)

Abstract

Objective. Individuals with a chronic illness such as type 1 diabetes (T1D) have improved disease outcomes when they have a supportive partner. Being more satisfied in one’s relationship is associated with more helpful partner involvement. However, we do not understand how a person with diabetes’ (PWD) ability to control their emotions, behaviors, and cognitions (i.e., self-control) affects how they perceive their partner as involved in helpful rather than unhelpful ways. This goal of the project was to examine how PWDs’ self-control relates to perceiving the partner as involved in helpful and unhelpful ways over and above the effects of relationship satisfaction.

Method. An existing data set involving 199 couples (ages 25 to 75, M length of relationship=19.36 years) where one person had T1D was used for this secondary analysis. Measures included: PWD self-control as assessed by three subscales of the BRIEF Self-Control measure, the PWDs’ perception of relationship satisfaction assessed by the Couples Satisfaction Index, and PWDs’ perceptions of partner’s involvement (emotional and instrumental support, overprotection, and criticism). Analyses involved correlations and multiple regressions.

Results. More PWD problems in emotional control were associated with perceiving one’s partner as being more unhelpful (i.e., critical and engaging in more overprotection). Problems in emotional control continued to predict criticism and overprotection even when relationship satisfaction was statistically controlled. Similar effects were found for problems in working memory. Problems with planning and organizing were also associated with lower reports of emotional support.

Conclusion. These results indicate that problems in emotional control are linked to the PWD’s perceptions of their partner’s diabetes involvement. Understanding this relationship may be helpful as healthcare providers implement education programs for PWDs and their partners to acknowledge the individual resources that may facilitate or limit optimal forms of partner involvement. Clinical intervention for PWDs with low emotional control could include healthcare coaching sessions that focus on individual emotional control strategies in addition to dyadic coping methods.