An Exploration of the Role of Shame in the Doctor-Patient Relationship for Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Abstract

This study explores type 2 diabetes patients’ experiences of shame in their interactions with their doctors in order to understand potential causes and consequences of these shame experiences. Using qualitative research methods, I conducted in-depth phone interviews with type 2 diabetes patients about their experiences with their doctors and analyzed this data for themes, trends, and differences in patient experiences. The results suggest that although experiences of shame in the doctor-patient relationship were not common, for patients who do report directly experiencing shame or reporting feelings or behaviors that may indicate shame, this emotion is a significant factor in their experience of diabetes. Furthermore, doctors may play a role in exacerbating or ameliorating a patient’s shame experience. As cases of type 2 diabetes rise and health care costs escalate, this work is crucial for understanding the interaction between the nuanced dynamics of the doctor-patient relationship and the treatment of this prevalent disease.