PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS AND METABOLIC CONTRO L IN ADOLESCENTS WITH INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES-MELLITUS

Psychosocial factors have been proved to be important for the adaptati on to insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in adolescence. This study explored associations between health status (HbA1c) and psychoso cial factors among 30 adolescents with type I diabetes mellitus. Six g roups of variables were investigated as possibly relating to metabolic control: demographic and disease specific factors, self concept, life events, coping strategies and locus of control. Results show a poorer disease control in adolescents living in broken homes and in adolesce nts with specific coping patterns, low self concept measures and a gre ater number of live events in the last twelve months. Implications for the treatment of diabetic adolescents are discussed.