Disturbed eating attitudes, coping styles, and subjective quality of life in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes

J Psychosom Res. 2005 Aug;59(2):65-72. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2005.02.010.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate coping styles and quality of life in youth with Type 1 diabetes with and without eating disorders and to identify relationships between these variables in each group.

Methods: Adolescents were evaluated for eating disorders with a two-stage diagnostic procedure. Adolescents with and without eating disorders then provided data on coping styles and on subjective well-being.

Results: Adolescents with Type 1 diabetes and disordered eating behavior reported more often blaming themselves and resorting to wishful thinking and poorer physical and psychosocial quality of life than do adolescents with Type 1 diabetes without disordered eating behavior. Specific coping strategies were also positively linked with quality of life and metabolic control.

Conclusions: Eating disorders and disordered eating behavior in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes seem to be associated with certain negative and avoidant coping strategies and with impeded physical and bio-psychosocial well-being.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adolescent
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Child
  • Demography
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / epidemiology*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Quality of Life*

Substances

  • Glycated Hemoglobin A