Exploring relationship -focused coping: Turkish couples and diabetes

In this study, the coping efforts of Turkish couples, one of whom had Type II diabetes, were examined from a dyadic perspective. The aim was to investigate in detail the coping strategies used by the couples which served the primary function of relieving partner\u27s stress rather than relieving personal stress, previously termed “relation-focused coping” strategies. The study goals were to portray several significant factors in the formation and use of relationship-focused coping strategies as well as to describe the resulting strategies used. In doing so, the concept of relationship-focused coping was to be further clarified. A secondary aim was to investigate the fit of the concept into the larger theoretical model proposed by Lazarus and Folkman (1984). A qualitative methodology was used since it is an appropriate methodology to look at dynamic, subjective experiences of individuals while remaining open to investigate culture-specific influences. Ten Turkish couples in which one of the partners had Type II diabetes were interviewed, jointly and then individually, resulting in three interviews for each couple. While a semi-structured interview schedule was utilized to gather information on the use of relationship-focused coping strategies, the revised COPE scale (Lyne & Roger, 2000) was used to gather information about the individual-level coping strategies. The results showed a multi-dimensional concept of relationship-focused coping that was influenced by cultural and familial perceptions of the specific illness, control, life course and gender role issues in the Turkish culture