Emotional Distress and Risk Perception in Patients with Diabetes

Author: Bushra Awan 

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Kausar

Degree: M.Phil

Year:2009-2011

University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

The present research aimed to investigate the risk perception related to diabetes and its complications and to assess the degree of emotional distress in potential problematic areas of the diabetic patient. lt was hypothesized that: a) There is a relationship between the level of emotional distress and risk perception of patients with diabetes; b) There are gender differences in the in the level of emotional distress of patients with diabetes. c) There are gender differences in the risk perception of patients with diabetes. Within group research design was used. Purposive sampling strategy was used. The sample was composed of l00 patients with diabetes from Mayo Hospital Lahore. Risk Perception Survey-Diabetes Mellitus (RPS-DM) Scale and Diabetes Distress Scale were administered to each patient suffering from diabetes. Data was analyzed by using Pearson Product Moment Correlation and independent sample t-test. The results indicated that there is a significant correlation between emotional distress and risk perception of patients with diabetes. It was also found that there were significant gender differences in the level of emotional distress. Female patients with diabetes suffer more from emotional distress as compared to male patients with diabetes.

Keywords: emotional distress, risk perception, diabetes, gender differences.

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Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245

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