Coping behaviour and degree of discrepancy between retrospective and prospective self-ratings of change in quality of life in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Quality of life and metabolic control were examined in 74 adults with Type 1 diabetes mellitus in 1988. Sixty-six of the persons were followed up in 1990 with the aim of studying more closely the subgroup that showed a 'major' discrepancy between 'retrospective' and 'prospective' quality of life change ratings. 'Prospective' quality of life change was defined as the difference in assessed quality of life status between 1990 and 1988. 'Retrospective' quality of life change was assessed directly by subjects in 1990 covering the same time period. Data on quality of life, well-being, sociodemographics and metabolic control were collected on both occasions. Recent life-change events and long-term complications were also recorded in 1990. Subjects with 'major' discrepancy reported greater retrospective quality of life improvement, higher quality of life, and greater well-being, as well as lesser occurrence of negative and greater occurrence of positive recent life-change events, than did those with 'minor' discrepancy, despite their exhibiting poorer metabolic control and a higher prevalence of incipient nephropathy. The results are discussed in terms of possible coping and defence strategies.