title: Brief report: Benefit finding and identity processes in type 1 diabetes: Prospective associations throughout adolescence.
abstract: Identity formation constitutes a core developmental task during adolescence, but may be challenged when having a chronic illness such as type 1 diabetes. The present study examined whether viewing positive benefits to one's diabetes across adolescence was related to greater identity exploration and commitment later in time. A total of 55 adolescents (10-14 years; 47% female) with type 1 diabetes participated in a six-wave study spanning 3 years (with six-month measurement intervals). Through latent growth curve modeling, Time 6 identity scores were regressed on intercept and slope terms of benefit finding through Times 1-4, simultaneously controlling for demographic and clinical variables. Identity exploration (but not commitment) at Time 6 was positively predicted by the intercept and slope of benefit finding: adolescents who find benefits in diabetes are more inclined to explore different alternatives later on in adolescence. Benefit finding may constitute a resource facilitating identity formation in adolescents with diabetes.
authors.affiliation: KU Leuven, Belgium. Electronic address: Koen.Luyckx@ppw.kuleuven.be.
authors.forename: Koen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Luyckx
authors.affiliation: University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA.
authors.forename: Meagan A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Ramsey
authors.affiliation: University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA.
authors.forename: Caitlin S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.affiliation: University of California, Merced, USA.
authors.forename: Deborah J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Wiebe
authors.affiliation: University of California, Merced, USA.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mello
authors.affiliation: KU Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Leen
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Oris
authors.affiliation: KU Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Sofie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Prikken
authors.affiliation: KU Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Margaux
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Verschueren
authors.affiliation: University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA.
authors.forename: Cynthia A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Berg
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D041923:Adolescent Development; D002648:Child; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012649:Self Concept
keywords: Adolescence; Benefit finding; Diabetes; Exploration; Identity