The cognitive orientation of patients with type 2 diabetes in Israel

The purpose was to explore the beliefs of patients with type 2 diabetes, in the framework of the Cognitive Orientation model which assumes that cognitions could promote disease. The major hypotheses were that there is a cluster of beliefs characteristic for type 2 diabetes and that it does not differ with disease duration. The participants were 112 individuals with type 2 diabetes and 103 matched healthy controls. They were administered a questionnaire that included items representing beliefs about goals, self, rules and norms, and general, referring to relevant themes. The results supported the main hypotheses and showed that the questionnaire scores identified correctly patients and controls in 85%. The themes supported by the patients focus on maintaining the status quo, formal relations, authority, following rules, and relying on powerful others. A major conclusion is that there is a unique cluster of beliefs characteristic for patients with type 2 diabetes. The findings can aid in helping these patients to apply self-care procedures and cope with particular stresses.