Hypoglycemia can lead to various aversive symptomatic, affective, cognitive, physiological, and social consequences, which in turn can lead to the development of possible phobic avoidance behaviors associated with hypoglycemia. On the other hand, some patients may inappropriately deny or disregard warning signs of hypoglycemia. This study presents preliminary reliability and validity data on a psychometric instrument designed to quantify this fear: the hypoglycemic fear survey. The instrument was found to have internal consistency and test-retest stability, to covary with elevated glycosylated hemoglobin, and to be sensitive to a behavioral treatment program designed to increase awareness of hypoglycemia.

Clinical literature has frequently alluded to the role of psychological stress in diabetic blood glucose fluctuations. Past research in the area has been minimal and inconsistent. Recent methodological and measurement advances have made it possible to more accurately assess the impact of psychological stress on long-term diabetic control. Study 1 of this report found a significant positive correlation between the Hassles Scale and Hemoglobin A1 levels in a group of 59 adult insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Social Supports, Type A behavior, and reported therapeutic compliance neither correlated with hemoglobin A1 nor influenced the Hassles-Hemoglobin A1 relationship. In a separate sample of 123 subjects, Study II revealed that diabetic patients generally perceive stress as a very potent factor in blood glucose control, but that different stressors may have differential effects for different diabetic patients. A factor analysis of these data reveals three different stress dimensions of the perceived stress-blood glucose relationship: fight/flight, passive/ruminative, and positive affect.

Results indicate students' attitudes are positive about several of the attributes associated with traditional professionalism definitions; however, there were cases where students' knowledge and attitudes towards professionalism appear incongruent with traditional definitions. Further development of self-assessments of knowledge and attitudes towards professionalism are suggested.

It was concluded that the autopsy elective had a positive influence on the student's attitudes. In addition, the pathologist's behavior and the environment in which the autopsy occurred influenced the students. Twenty-two (85%) of the students indicated the autopsy should be mandatory for all students.