Year: 2006
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This study utilized a qualitative approach to examine the experience of managing \ndiabetes from an adolescent perspective. The primary goal of this study was to suggest an \nalternative to the prevailing compliance/adherence paradigms found in the literature. \nInterview data collected from 11 adolescents, who have type 1 diabetes mellitus, were \nanalyzed using grounded theory methodology. \nData analysis revealed a core phenomenon, conceptualized as demonstrating \ncompetence, which defined the transitional process adolescents go through to assume \nincreasing responsibility for their diabetes management. The model proposes that once \nadolescents acquire basic foundational knowledge about diabetes, they become \nincreasingly more engaged in the process of managing their diabetes. Many intervening \nconditions, including internal, interpersonal, situational/environmental, and treatment \nfactors, influence how adolescents manage their diabetes. These intervening conditions \neither facilitate the adolescent’s diabetes management or act to inhibit it. \nConsistently poor diabetes management results in a lack of demonstrated \ncompetence that is manifested in self-doubt in the adolescent and communicates to others \nthat the adolescent is not ready to assume responsibility for diabetes management. The \nmodel predicts that the consequence for adolescents who demonstrate low competence is \nlow autonomy with regard to performing diabetes tasks, making treatment decisions, and \nparticipating in age appropriate activities. In contrast, consistently good diabetes \nmanagement allows the adolescent to demonstrate competence, which instills a sense of \nself-confidence within the individual and communicates to others that the adolescent is \nready to mange diabetes independently. As a result, the model predicts that adolescents \nwho demonstrate competence enjoy greater levels of autonomy. \nThe study findings are discussed in terms of the theoretical and clinical \nimplications of the model, as well as directions for future research.
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1915085693