Work

Comparison of Adolescents with and without Diabetes on Indices of Psychosocial Functioning for Three Years

Year: 2007

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine whether diabetes is associated with psychosocial difficulties over the transition to adolescence. METHODS: We compared adolescents with diabetes (n = 132) with a healthy comparison group (n = 131) on indices of psychosocial functioning for 3 years. We interviewed both groups annually and had one parent complete a questionnaire. RESULTS: There were no group differences in depressive symptoms, anxiety, anger, or behavioral problems. However, adolescents with diabetes showed greater declines in social acceptance compared with healthy adolescents, and a greater rise in disturbed eating behavior. Over time, depressive symptoms and anxiety increased and self-worth decreased for females but not males; however, these differences were not qualified by group CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes is not associated with indicators of psychological distress from early to middle adolescence, but may be associated with the emergence of social difficulties and eating disturbances. Gender differences in psychological distress emerged, replicating past research.

Source: Journal of Pediatric Psychology

DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsm020

Authors: V. S. Helgeson, P. R. Snyder, O. Escobar, L. Siminerio, D. Becker

Institutions: Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Diabetes Management and Education

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green