A phenomenological study of chronic sorrow in people with type 1 diabetes

This qualitative study has been designed to examine chronic sorrow in a population of individuals with type 1 diabetes. Teel1 defines chronic sorrow as ‘a recurring sadness interwoven with periods of neutrality; satisfaction and happiness’. The sample chosen are five adult subjects with type 1 diabetes for an average of 22.4 years. Data was collected using audio taped, semi‐structured, interviews. Tapes were transcribed and analysed. Four themes emerged; fear of the future, negative attitudes of others, regrets and difficulties in managing the condition. The study discusses the causes of sadness. Results are of relevance to people with diabetes, and those who care for them. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.