The impact of family dynamics on adolescent diabetes

Includes bibliographical references (pages 43-48)The diagnosis of adolescent type-one diabetes can create many challenges for the adolescent and his or her family. The purpose of this project is to provide information regarding family dynamics and its impact on adolescent diabetes management and metabolic control. The literature review provides an overview of adolescent type-one diabetes, the life cycle stage of an adolescent, specifically the development of identity and autonomy. The literature review also discusses family relationships, the affects of diabetic management and mental health symptoms for adolescents and their parents. The literature review concludes with a review of interventions that may be effective in assisting family members and adolescents through these challenges for adolescents with diabetes. The types of interventions include, problem solving, cognitive restructuring, and positive reinforcement to help families build secure bonds. The project includes a website entitled, ???Youth and Diabetes???, that aims to provide adolescents diagnosed with type-one diabetes and their families with educational information and tools to assist them in communicating with one another, and coping strategies for the adolescents and their parents