An exploration of personal constructs in people with Type 2 diabetes in the community

Aim: To explore personal constructs in adults with Type 2 diabetes under primary care services.
Methods: We studied a convenience sample of adults with Type 2 diabetes, cared for in the community. Participants completed an initial
exploratory qualitative interview, followed by sequential interviews using a laddered dependency grid technique, where each participant
rated constructs (aspects of living with diabetes) against elements (people involved in the participants’ living with diabetes) on a scale of
0�10. The data were analysed using a modified principal components analysis techniqueand were plotted on bi-plot diagrams to show the
relationship strength, via angle of association to the element and vector length from the construct. These calculations were then triangulated
against the individual rating comments given by the participants.
Results: Nineteen participants completed the sequential interviews and laddered dependency grids (n = 48), from a sample of 23 who
completed the initial interview. The major construct of interdependence identified had strong or weak association with diabetes related
constructs, depending on how each individual participant had rated them, and the explanation they gave of the ratings.
Summary: The findings suggest that in this sample people with Type 2 diabetes do not always consider primary care services as appropriate
to enable good self-management and achievement of their life goals. Each individual had developed their own level of interdependence with
some of the participants being self-reliant or using family members/friends, more than professional health services, for managing their
diabetes. Recommendations include further exploration of interdependence in Type 2 diabetes.