The Effects of Intentional Recreation Programming on Internalization of Type 1 Diabetes Management among Adolescents

This study, with the help of the Utah Association of Diabetes Educators, attempted to determine the effectiveness of using self-determination theory (SDT) at an adolescent diabetes camp to increase internalization of diabetes management. Existing evidence indicates that adolescents manage less than 20% of their diabetes, far less than needed (Anderson, 1985). Failure to manage and internalize behavior for regulating glycemic levels can lead to a number of very significant problems (Bryden, Peveler, Stein, Neil, Mayou & Dunger, 2001). This limited internalized behavior·may be explained by SDT. Self determination theory provides a basis for creating an autonomy supportive. environment while fostering competence; autonomy, and relatedness (Deci & Ryan, 2000)