TRANSFORMING: PATTERNS OF SEXUAL FUNCTION IN ADULTS WITH INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS.
Contributors: University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Published: 1991
Number of pages: 138
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Psychology, Clinical.
Description: This descriptive study, using a qualitative approach through grounded theory methodology, was conducted to discover the patterns of sexual function in adults with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Based on the conceptual framework of Parse's Man-Living-Health theory of nursing, data from in-depth interviews were analyzed to discover ways of being and relating that allowed individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus to give and receive pleasure as sexual beings.

A beginning substantive theory, grounded in the data, conceptualizes the experience of sexual function in adult insulin-dependent diabetics. The beginning substantive theory was composed of the core concept of transforming and the supporting concepts of valuing self and meeting intimacy needs. Adults with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus experienced a wide variety of individualized changes in the way they valued themselves and the way they met intimacy needs in their relationships. Transforming allowed individuals to redefine self so that they could maintain balance within themselves and within their intimate relationships as they lived with a chronic illness. Integration of changes facilitated valuing self and meeting intimacy needs as the individual struggled with the treatment and effects of diabetes on all aspects of human sexuality. The acceptance of self as diabetic and the belief that one was in control enhanced transforming, but when one felt one was different or experienced loss, transforming was more difficult. Intimacy needs were met or unmet by the experience of sexual function, which varied from no change to change that interfered with sexual activities. Regardless of the experience of sexual function, maintaining the relationship was an important condition of meeting intimacy needs and transforming.

Information from this study can be used to individualize client care, counseling, and teaching for adults with insulin-dependent diabetes. The beginning theory also provides the base for the development of a formal theory. Recommendations for further research including expanding comparative groups, exploring sexual function from a holistic perspective, and continuing research of sexual function in women who are diabetic.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 52-03, Section: B, page: 1354.

Thesis (D.S.N.)--UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM, 1991.

School code: 0005.