Acknowledging the Body in Identity Verification Processes among People Living with Diabetes

• In Event: 2184 - Section on Medical Sociology Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 13. The Illness Experience

Abstract

Individuals engage in identity verification processes by modifying their behaviors, identity standards, or situational definitions based on discrepancy between feedback from others about their self-presentation and the identity standards individuals hold. Research demonstrates that bodily demands and malfunctions might conflict with desired self-presentation. This research proposes that, in addition to modifying components of the self, individuals must also acknowledge and address bodily demands to have their identities verified by others. Data from in-depth semi-structured interviews with 11 individuals living with type 1 diabetes and 7 individuals living with type 2 diabetes were utilized to shed light on illness experiences related to their self-concepts and identities. Research participants discussed how the cognitive impairments induced by hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia interfered with identity verification and the ways they addressed having their identities left unverified. Analysis of these accounts suggests that scholars should consider addressing bodily demands as a mechanism for achieving identity verification in future research.

Author

• Justin Maietta, University of Maryland-College Park