Predictors of collaborative coping in couples managing type 2 diabetes

Illness factors, relationship factors, and interdependent personality traits

Bibliographic Data

ID2929012
AuthorsMegan B Mason (0000-0002-4898-143X, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey), Kristin J August (0000-0003-2583-3538, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, corresponding author), Charlotte N Markey (Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey), Charlotte H Markey (0000-0001-5431-6017, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey), Josh R Novak (0000-0002-9714-1226, Auburn University)
Year2024
Volume41
Issue12
Pages3791-3818
Publication date2024-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Social and Personal Relationships (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0265-4075 • E-ISSN: 1460-3608
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/02654075241279015
OpenAlexW4402412082
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited65

Past work has revealed benefits for both persons with diabetes (PWD) and their partners (e.g., spouses) when engaging in collaborative coping to manage a chronic illness, yet little is known about predictors of this type of dyadic coping. Based on conceptual frameworks on communal and dyadic coping, we sought to examine how illness factors, relationship factors, and interdependent personality traits predicted the frequency of collaborative coping among couples managing type 2 diabetes, and whether role (PWD vs. partner) moderated the associations. Cross-sectional survey data from 296 older adults ( N = 148 different-sex couples) were analyzed. Multilevel models examined both linear and nonlinear associations between each factor and collaborative coping, controlling for race/ethnicity. Linear associations were found for positive relationship quality, and nonlinear associations were found for diagnostic length and relationship length. No significant associations emerged between interdependent personality traits and collaborative coping. Although PWD reported more frequent engagement in collaborative coping than partners, role only moderated the associations between diagnostic length and relationship length with collaborative coping. Findings contribute to an understanding of potential correlates of collaborative coping and may have implications for health promotion and interventions for older couples managing type 2 diabetes

Big Five personality traits · Coping (psychology · Coping behavior · Diabetes mellitus · Illness behavior · Interdependence · Maladaptive coping · Personality · Type 2 diabetes · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Clinical Psychology · Cognitive and psychological constructs research · Health and Wellbeing Research · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology

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