The generalizability of a model linking illness characteristics to psychosocial well-being was tested in a cross-sectional study of 237 adults with type 2 diabetes. It was hypothesized that diabetic complications increase illness intrusiveness, which in turn increases depressive symptomatology either directly or indirectly by reducing personal control over health outcomes. Illness intrusiveness was defined as the result of disruptions of valued activities and interests due to constraints imposed by the illness. An excellent fit of this model to the data was found using structural equation modeling. The model explained 65% of the variance in depressive symptomatology. Assessment of an alternative model excluding personal control suggested that the extent to which diabetes intrudes in life, rather than diabetic complications per se or personal control, is a key factor in relation to depressive symptomatology in individuals with diabetes.

Abstract. We describe a technology for the fabrication of inexpensive and versatile mirrors through the use of a new type of nanoengineered optical material composed by the spreading of a self-assembling reflective colloidal film spread at the surface of a liquid. These new reflecting liquids offer interesting possibilities for astronomical instrumentation. For example, they can replace mercury in conventional rotating liquid mirrors. The main advantages offered include extremely low cost and, by coating a viscous liquid, the possibility of tilting the mirror by a few tens of degrees. We also have coated ferromagnetic liquids with these reflecting films. The resulting surfaces can be shaped by the application of a magnetic field, yielding reflecting surfaces that can have complicated shapes that can rapidly shift with time. These inexpensive and versatile optical elements could have numerous scientific and technological applications. Among possible astronomical applications, they could be used to make large inexpensive adaptive mirrors exhibiting strokes ranging from nanometers to several millimeters.

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the recently developed Multidimensional Diabetes Questionnaire (MDQ). The MDQ, which is theoretically linked to a social learning perspective of diabetes, was designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of diabetes-related cognitive and social factors. It includes 41 items grouped into three sections: (1) perceptions related to diabetes and related social support, (2) positive and misguided reinforcing behaviors related to self-care activities, and (3) self-efficacy and outcome expectancies. Confirmatory factor analyses, conducted on a sample of 249 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, supported the construct validity of the MDQ. Adequate internal consistency and significant demographic, psychological, behavioral, and disease-related correlates were found. The MDQ may prove valuable in understanding individual differences in adjustment to diabetes.

No abstract

The main purpose of this study was to develop and to cross-validate an empirically derived psychosocial taxonomy of patients with diabetes. In the first study, 101 patients with Type I or Type II diabetes completed the Multidimensional Diabetes Questionnaire. Cluster analysis identified three clusters, labeled adaptive copers, low support-low involvement, and spousal overinvolvement. In the second study, the taxonomy was cross-validated using an independent sample of 132 patients with long-standing Type II diabetes. The results confirmed that the multivariate classification system was unique and highly accurate. External validation, using general psychological as well as diabetes-specific measures, supported the validity and distinctiveness of the patients' profiles. These findings help establish a multiaxial psychosocial taxonomy of diabetes and may have significant implications for the management of patients with diabetes.