From crisis to curation: Network episode model analysis of social support dynamics in Black/African American Men's type 2 diabetes management

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

: This phenomenological study applied the Network Episode Model to examine how Black/African American men with type 2 diabetes (T2D) activate, navigate, and utilize their social networks throughout their disease management journey. We conducted semi-structured virtual interviews with 61 Black/African American men aged 21 years and older with self-reported T2D diagnoses. Recruitment occurred through Build Clinical between February and June 2024 resulting in a United States based sample with mean age of 53.84 years (SD=10.65). Semi-structured interviews lasted 30-60 minutes and were professionally transcribed. Data analysis employed both deductive coding based on Network Episode Model constructs and inductive thematic analysis to identify emergent patterns across four primary domains: network activation, network navigation, network content, and network timing. Findings revealed that participants strategically minimized their support networks, prioritizing relationship quality over quantity. Crisis moments triggered selective network mobilization, with participants typically engaging only one or two trusted individuals rather than broader networks. Participants demonstrated sophisticated network navigation strategies, actively restructuring relationships by strengthening supportive ties while ending problematic ones. Recognition and witnessing emerged as more valued forms of support than advice-giving. The transition from reduced engagement to active self-management varied, influenced by crisis events and network pressure. These findings challenge historically deficit-based interpretations of sparse or unhelpful social networks among Black/African American men, revealing intentional curation strategies that optimize support quality and maintain control over health information. Results inform culturally responsive interventions that honor individual network management preferences while identifying opportunities to strengthen meaningful relationships during crisis activation windows.