Psychosocial maturity among people with diabetes mellitus

There is a relationship between coping with chronic illness and a person's psychosocial development. The aim of this study was to describe dimensions of psychosocial development based on results of a previous factor analysis of the Modified Erikson Psychosocial Stage Inventory among people with type 2 diabetes. Interviews were carried out with 10 people with diabetes. The transcribed interviews were analysed by qualitative content analysis into main categories, categories and themes. The categories were trust, lack of trust, positive identity, identity confusion, integrity and lack of integrity. Themes that permeated the categories in a positive way were 'activity' and 'involvement', while themes that permeated the categories in a negative way were 'passivity' and 'alienation'. Our interpretation is that the category 'trust' is the basis for 'identity', and together 'trust' and 'identity' are the basis for maturity and 'integrity'. A conclusion is that positive psychosocial maturity has to do with attaining trust, identity and integrity through activity and involvement. Qualities important for maturation through trust, identity and integrity are understanding, capacity, purposefulness and fortitude. Our interpretation of maturity is considered as being an important and interesting focus in nursing, while the above related qualities are closely connected to coping with diabetes.