Identity Representations of People With Diabetes.

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to investigate the construction of identity representations by primary health care patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and their relationship to the required self-care actions. A free word association technique required clients from a basic health unit (N = 34) to suggest a word or expression and justify it in response to the question, "When talking about being a diabetic, what comes to your mind?" We performed, transcribed, and categorized the recordings, then interpreted them according to thematic content analysis, social representation, and social identity theories. Intentions mediated by identity processes-social comparison, social attribution, and categorization within the studied group-and also by objectification and anchoring, provided the following social constructions: normal, accepting of the disease, feeling unaccepting, and experiencing difficulties. The disease might alter patients' identity representation within a context permeated by individuals' subjective sense.