Social support and personal models of diabetes as predictors of self-care and well-being: a longitudinal study of adolescents with diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
To examine whether peer support and illness representation mediate the link between family support, self-management and well-being.


METHODS
Fifty-two adolescents (12-18 years old) with Type I diabetes were recruited and followed over 6 months, completing assessments of self-management, well-being, and social support.


RESULTS
Perceived impact of diabetes and supportive family and friends were prospectively predictive of participants' well-being measures. Although support from family and friends was predictive of better dietary self-care, this relationship was mediated by personal model beliefs. In particular, beliefs about the effectiveness of the diabetes treatment regimen to control diabetes was predictive of better dietary self-care.


CONCLUSIONS
Both friends and family are important to support adolescents as they live with and manage their diabetes. Personal models of diabetes are important determinants of both dietary self-care and well-being. In addition, personal models may serve to mediate the relationship between social support and dietary behavior.
Skinner
T C
TC
Research and Development Unit, University Hospital Lewisham, Lewisham High Street, London SE13 6LH, England, UK. chas.skinner@uhl.nhs.uk
John
M
M
Hampson
S E
SE
D000293:Adolescent; D001007:Anxiety / Q000150:complications; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012648:Self Care; D012944:Social Support