PSYCHIC DEFENSES AND ADJUSTMENT PROCESSES IN TYPE 2 DIABETES: A CASE STUDY FOLLOWED AT THE DIABETES CONTROL CENTER IN BURUNDI
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71105/Keywords:
Diabetes, psychic defenses, adjustment process, chronic illness, mental healthAbstract
Background: Diabetes is a condition that profoundly affects an individual’s overall well-being. Although it is primarily a physical illness that threatens bodily integrity, the way patients perceive and interpret the disease, greatly influences their experience and coping mecanism. Some individuals develop resources that enable them to live with the illness, while others may find their coping strategies challenged, putting their health at further risk. Objective: It is from this perspective that the present study aims to explore the psychic defense implemented by patients to promote successful adaptation. Methodology: This study is qualitative and conducted through an inductive approach. It’s based on data collected in patients living with type 2 diabetes, through semi-structured interviews conducted by an interview guide covering themes related to the adjustment process to diabetes. Results: The results reveal that the strategies used may be internal or external and vary from one patient to another. Some are geared toward directly solving the problem namely, diabetes management, while others rely on building support networks, and still others involve religious practices such as prayer. Among the strategies identified, the use of certain defense mechanisms was noted, particularly acceptance and minimizing the seriousness of the illness. Conclusion: Patients facing diabetes employ various adaptive strategies. These findings highlight the need for an individualized and holistic approach to the management of this chronic Keywords: Diabetes, psychic defenses, adjustment process, chronic illness, mental health
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