The role of illness perceptions, coping and evaluation in care-seeking among people with type 1 diabetes

Attendance at diabetes clinic is associated with improved medical outcome. In the present study, we used self-regulatory theory to identify factors associated with diabetes care-seeking. This article examines (i) differences in coping strategies and evaluation of coping success (general health, impact of diabetes on life and clinic satisfaction) between attenders and non-attenders, (ii) the relationships between personal models and coping strategies and (iii) the role of personal models and coping strategies in predicting diabetes care-seeking. The sample comprised of 42 non-attenders and 42 matched controls receiving specialist care. Attenders employed more effective coping strategies than non-attenders and reported higher levels of clinic satisfaction. Groups expressed similar views regarding health status and impact of diabetes. Participants were reclassified into ‘regular care’ (hospital or general practice) (n = 52) and ‘no regular care’ (n = 32) for further analysis. The results support the utility of self-regulatory theory. More positive personal models were associated with more effective coping strategies, which were in turn associated with regular care-seeking.