Finding the Balance: Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes and Their Parents

Abstract 

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to describe the ways that parents and 11- to 15-year-old teens communicate and the recurrent themes and patterns of behavior that were revealed during brief interactions about issues related to diabetes management.

Method

A secondary qualitative analysis of data, based on a template for analysis developed from the literature, was completed on audiotaped interactions of 28 adolescents and their parents.

Results

Themes identified were frustration, fear, normalizing, trusting, and discounting. Trusting the adolescent to manage diabetes was difficult for the parents and was associated with frustration, fear, and discounting communication.

Discussion

Results support the need for clinicians to work with families to facilitate trust and positive parent-adolescent communication about diabetes management.

Key words: Adolescence, diabetes, family, communication, chronic illness