Explaining the family conflict-glycemic control link through psychological variables in adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Michele Herzer, Anthony Vesco, Lisa M. Ingerski, Lawrence M. Dolan, Korey K. Hood*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

To examine whether individual psychological variables mediate the family conflict-glycemic control relationship. During three study visits spanning 9 months, 147 adolescents with type 1 diabetes completed questionnaires measuring anxiety and depressive symptoms, and diabetes-specific worry. Caregivers similarly completed a measure of diabetes-specific family conflict. Blood glucose monitoring frequency and glycemic control were also obtained during study visits. Separate mediation analyses revealed that anxiety was the only individual psychological variable that mediated the caregiver-reported family conflict-glycemic control link. Anxiety accounted for 20% of the family conflict-glycemic control link, compared to 8.5% for depression and 6% for diabetes-specific worry. Results suggest that anxiety symptoms may be promoted in a family environment characterized by conflict and these symptoms have detrimental effects on glycemic control. Continued monitoring of family functioning and adolescents' anxiety symptoms, as well as refinement of interventions, is needed to promote positive health outcomes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)268-274
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Behavioral Medicine
Volume34
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2011

Keywords

  • Adolescents
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Family conflict
  • Glycemic control

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Psychology(all)

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