Investigators: Keely Bebbington, Ashleigh Lin, Leanne Fried, Alison Roberts, Jesse Ingram
This study aims to explore the relationship between the way that adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their parents cope with stress and how this might impact glycaemic control.
For more information please contact Keely Bebbington keely.bebbington@telethonkids.org.au
Plain language summary: Despite the challenges associated with managing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), many adolescents with T1D achieve positive physical and mental health outcomes. However, our understanding of what leads to this resilience in the face of significant stressors is currently lacking. Existing research points to the role of ‘adaptive’ coping, characterised by problem solving, positive thinking and the utilisation of social support as protective. Additionally, the use of avoidant coping has been shown to be associated with elevated diabetes-related distress and poorer glycaemic control. To date, the relationship between parental and adolescent coping has not been adequately explored. If the coping style of adolescents mirrors that of their parents, it may be possible to foster adaptive coping by targeting interventions at the parents of very young children to protect against sub-optimal physical and mental health outcomes in the future.