This research compares the family environments of diabetic adolescents in good (HbA1c < 10), fair (10 ≥ HbA1c ≤ 14), and poor (HbA1c > 14) control. Fifty-eight adolescents diagnosed with type I diabetes and their parents (mothers) were independently assessed with structured interviews, the Moos Family Environment Scale, and adolescents also completed the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale. As compared with adolescents in poor control, those in good control reported fewer diabetes-related symptoms and had less anxiety and a more positive self-concept. Well-controlled youths also reported more cohesion and less conflict among family members. More parents of well-controlled youths stated that family members were encouraged to behave independently. In addition, more parents of poorly controlled adolescents believed that diabetes had negatively affected the child's personality, physical well-being, schooling, and participation in activities away from home. These findings suggest a complex interplay between the diabetic adolescent's psychological and physical functioning, metabolic control, and the family environment.
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Original Articles|
November 01 1981
Family Characteristics of Diabetic Adolescents: Relationship to Metabolic Control
Barbara J Anderson;
Barbara J Anderson
Diabetes Research and Training Center and the Edward Mallinckrodt Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine
St. Louis, Missouri
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J Philip Miller;
J Philip Miller
Diabetes Research and Training Center and the Edward Mallinckrodt Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine
St. Louis, Missouri
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Wendy F Auslander;
Wendy F Auslander
Diabetes Research and Training Center and the Edward Mallinckrodt Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine
St. Louis, Missouri
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Julio V Santiago
Julio V Santiago
Diabetes Research and Training Center and the Edward Mallinckrodt Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine
St. Louis, Missouri
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Address reprint requests to Barbara J. Anderson, Diabetes Education Center, 100 N. Euclid, Suite 310, St. Louis, Missouri 63108.
Citation
Barbara J Anderson, J Philip Miller, Wendy F Auslander, Julio V Santiago; Family Characteristics of Diabetic Adolescents: Relationship to Metabolic Control. Diabetes Care 1 November 1981; 4 (6): 586–594. https://doi.org/10.2337/diacare.4.6.586
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