Communal Coping Intervention for Type 1 Diabetes

Overseen by Vicki Helgeson, Ph.D.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Carnegie Mellon University

Disqualifiers: Non-English speakers, Major chronic illness, others

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a program that helps couples work together to manage type 1 diabetes. It targets couples where one partner has diabetes, aiming to improve their teamwork in handling the disease. The program includes setting shared goals and receiving regular support messages.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on a coping intervention rather than medication changes.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Communal Coping Intervention for Type 1 Diabetes?

Research shows that communal coping, where couples work together to manage diabetes, can lead to better problem-solving, improved mood, and less stress. This approach has been beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes and is likely helpful for those with Type 1 diabetes as well. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Communal Coping Intervention generally safe for humans?

The research on Communal Coping Intervention, particularly in the context of diabetes, suggests it is beneficial and does not indicate any safety concerns. It involves shared problem-solving and collaboration, which are generally safe interpersonal strategies. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How does the communal coping treatment for Type 1 Diabetes differ from other treatments?

The communal coping treatment for Type 1 Diabetes is unique because it focuses on shared illness appraisal and collaborative strategies between individuals and their partners, rather than solely on medical or individual approaches. This interpersonal method aims to improve health outcomes by enhancing relationship quality and reducing psychological distress through joint problem-solving and support. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Research Team

Vicki Helgeson, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Carnegie Mellon University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 with Type 1 Diabetes who've had it for at least a year. They must be married or living with a partner for the same duration, who's also willing to join the study. Participants need internet access and can't have other major illnesses overshadowing their diabetes. Non-English speakers and partners with diabetes are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

Reliable access to the internet at home

I am 18 years old or older.

Married or living with someone for at least one year who is willing to participate in the study as the study partner

Exclusion Criteria

I have a chronic illness more impactful than diabetes.

Partner does not consent to participate in study

Your partner has diabetes.

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Couples complete a baseline questionnaire assessment and have a videotaped conversation about coping with diabetes

1 day

1 visit (in-person or virtual)

Intervention

Participants receive either the communal coping intervention or diabetes education control, followed by 7 days of daily diaries and text message prompts for the intervention group

2 weeks

1 visit (in-person or virtual), daily virtual engagement

Follow-up

An in-person follow-up interview takes place 6 weeks after the initial session to assess outcomes and repeat the videotaped conversation

6 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Communal Coping Intervention (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial Overview The trial is testing a new 'communal coping intervention' designed to help couples where one partner has Type 1 Diabetes work together better in managing the condition. It's about sharing the challenge of diabetes care between patient and partner through an online program.

Participant Groups

Group I: Communal Coping Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The intervention consists of a single session brief communal coping intervention followed by 7 days of intervention prompts delivered via text message to help couples generalize what they have learned into their daily life. There are 9 components to the intervention: 1. establishment of rapport 2. shared stressor recollection 3. communal coping education 4. application of appraisal to diabetes 5. we-statements to reframe diabetes as shared 6. facilitated discussion between couple members to identify each person's needs with active listening 7. collaborative implementation intentions 8. EMI text messaging for 7 days following intervention

Group II: Diabetes Education Attention Control Active Control 1 Intervention

These participants will receive diabetes education via a 15-20 minute videotape (as well the intervention group)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Carnegie Mellon University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

80

Recruited

540,000+

Farnam Jahanian

Carnegie Mellon University

Chief Executive Officer since 2018

PhD in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Austin

Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni

Carnegie Mellon University

Chief Medical Officer

MD from Harvard Medical School

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

237

Recruited

142,000+

Dr. Aaron J. Kowalski

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Chief Executive Officer since 2019

PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Rutgers University

Dr. Thomas Danne

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Chief Medical Officer

MD from Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Findings from Research

In a study of 119 heterosexual couples dealing with a recent Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, communal coping—where partners collaboratively address illness-related issues—was linked to improved problem-solving and mood for both partners.

The results indicated that communal coping positively influenced relationship quality and reduced psychological distress, suggesting that working together in managing diabetes can enhance overall well-being for couples.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Communally coping with diabetes: An observational investigation using the actor-partner interdependence model. Van Vleet, M., Helgeson, VS., Seltman, HJ., et al.[2021]

The study involving 199 individuals with type 1 diabetes identified two distinct components of communal coping: shared appraisal of the illness and collaborative coping strategies.

While neither component directly improved health outcomes, the interaction between shared appraisal and collaboration significantly influenced diabetes distress and self-care, indicating that collaboration can be harmful if individuals do not perceive their illness as a shared experience.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A multimethod approach to measuring communal coping in adults with type 1 diabetes. Zajdel, M., Helgeson, VS., Butner, JE., et al.[2023]

Communal coping, where patients with type 2 diabetes and their spouses work together to address illness-related challenges, leads to greater support from spouses and better receptivity from patients, enhancing immediate interaction outcomes.

Over a 6-month period, communal coping by patients was linked to improved long-term diabetes outcomes, such as increased self-efficacy and reduced diabetes distress, highlighting the importance of collaborative approaches in managing chronic illnesses.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An examination of the communal coping process in recently diagnosed diabetes. Van Vleet, M., Helgeson, VS., Seltman, HJ., et al.[2020]

In a study of 199 couples where one partner had Type 1 diabetes, higher levels of shared illness appraisals between patients and spouses were linked to better self-care and fewer self-regulation failures in diabetes management.

However, when illness appraisals were less shared, collaborative and supportive strategies from spouses were associated with poorer self-care and higher blood glucose levels, indicating that the effectiveness of these strategies depends on the perception of shared illness between partners.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Daily illness appraisal and collaboration in couples with type 1 diabetes. Berg, CA., Helgeson, VS., Tracy, EL., et al.[2021]

The paper presents a narrative intervention aimed at promoting communal coping among couples dealing with chronic illnesses, specifically diabetes, by encouraging them to view their health challenges as a shared problem.

This intervention is unique as it relies solely on a series of open-ended questions across eight modules, rather than providing direct instructions, fostering teamwork and collaboration without imposing solutions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Constructing We-ness: A Communal Coping Intervention for Couples Facing Chronic Illness. Rohrbaugh, MJ.[2021]

The study tested the communal coping model in the context of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and found that coping together as a family can lead to better health outcomes for patients, highlighting the importance of social support.

Three distinct types of communal coping were identified, suggesting that both shared cognitive appraisals and joint actions can positively influence family cohesion and individual outcomes in managing T2D.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Testing a Dimensional Versus a Typological Approach to the Communal Coping Model in the Context of Type 2 Diabetes. Basinger, ED.[2021]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Communally coping with diabetes: An observational investigation using the actor-partner interdependence model. [2021]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A multimethod approach to measuring communal coping in adults with type 1 diabetes. [2023]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An examination of the communal coping process in recently diagnosed diabetes. [2020]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Daily illness appraisal and collaboration in couples with type 1 diabetes. [2021]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Constructing We-ness: A Communal Coping Intervention for Couples Facing Chronic Illness. [2021]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Explicating the Appraisal Dimension of the Communal Coping Model. [2022]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Testing a Dimensional Versus a Typological Approach to the Communal Coping Model in the Context of Type 2 Diabetes. [2021]