Preferred level of categorization as strategy to manage chronic illness-related identity among individuals with type...

The present investigation examined social identification management among individuals affected by chronic illness. Because diabetes is a chronic medical condition that consists of a broad superordinate group with two nested subgroups of differing relative status (type 1 versus type 2), it is well-suited to an examination of positive identity management strategies used by individuals with chronic illness. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on individuals with diabetes (N = 399) to assess diabetes-related identity. Results indicated that individuals with type 1 diabetes reported greater identity centrality and greater preference for subgroup self-categorization ("individual affected by type 1 diabetes") over superordinate group categorization ("individual affected by diabetes") than did individuals with type 2 diabetes. The relationship between diabetes type and preferred categorization level was moderated by perceived intractability of their condition and perceived stigmatization of the lower status subgroup (i.e., type 2), suggesting that categorization level functions to maintain a positive self-concept. Further, categorization level moderated the negative relationship between identity centrality and feelings of depression and anger, suggesting that self-categorization might function to protect against self-concept threat. The present findings highlight the roles of group status, group boundary permeability, and perceived stigma on identity management strategies used by individuals with a chronic illness.