Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus from an Individual Psychological Perspective: An Adlerian Interpretation of a Clinical Case Vignette - IDRP | Individual Differences Research | JIS

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Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus from an Individual Psychological Perspective: An Adlerian Interpretation of a Clinical Case Vignette

Werner Merkle

https://doi.org/10.65030/idr.24012

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Abstract

This paper presents a theoretical analysis of type 2 diabetes mellitus management from an Individual Psychological perspective, illustrated by a clinical case vignette. Utilizing Adlerian concepts — specifically lifestyle, private logic, safeguarding mechanisms, and iatrogenic discouragement — the author examines how a patient’s subjective perception of medical authority shapes treatment adherence and autonomy. The case vignette details a patient presenting with an illness history of approximately 32 years and an severe hyperglycemic phase. This analysis explores the patient’s retrospective perceptions of medical encounters. The discussion highlights how a collaborative therapeutic alliance can address perceived authoritarian discouragement. Ultimately, this Adlerian interpretation suggests that integrating a patient's private logic into diabetes care plans may offer a valuable conceptual framework for understanding individual differences in chronic illness management while respecting patient autonomy.

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Published

October 25, 2026

Keywords

Type 2 diabetes mellitus;

Individual Psychology;

Lifestyle;

Heteronomous discouragement;

Externalization vs. Internalization;

Psychosomatics