Comparative Study of Defensive Styles in Diabetic and Non-diabetics Patients

Diabetes is a major health concern, and research on the psychological aspects of this disease has been neglected. One of the effective psychological factors is defensive style. Defensive style plays a decisive role in health behaviors, psychological disorders, and a wide range of psychosomatic disorders. In this study, we aimed to compare defensive style in diabetic and non-diabetic patients.
In the framework of a causal-comparative design using convenience sampling method, 43 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus visiting endocrinology clinics in Tehran were enrolled based on the inclusion criteria. Also, we selected a group of non-diabetic controls who were matched on demographic variables. The Defensive Style Questionnaire and a demographic form were used to gather information. To analyze the data, One-way analysis of variance was performed in SPSS, version 21.
The results showed that diabetic patients used rationalization, projection, denial, scattering, devaluation, acting-out, somatization, fantasizing, dissociation, displacement, and passive aggressive immature defensive styles and reaction formation neurotic style more than the controls. In addition, patients with diabetes develop less sublimation and humor matured defensive style.
The present study showed that diabetic patients use more immature psychological defense mechanisms and neurotic style and less mature defensive styles than the normal controls. The results of this study can be used to design and recognize better interventional psychological programs in this group of patients.