Adjustment in Diabetic Adolescent Girls: II. Adjustment, Self-Esteem, and Depression in Diabetic Adolescent Girls

Abstract

The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Sullivan Diabetic Adjustment Scale were administered to 105 adolescent girls with diabetes. Results indicate that levels of self-esteem and depression highly correlate with the level of adjustment as assessed on the Diabetic Adjustment Scale (DAS). That is, the adjustment of adolescent diabetic girls in peer and family relationships, dependence-independence conflicts, and attitudes toward diabetes is significantly related to self-esteem; and the level of depression is significantly related to all these adjustment factors as well as body image. The results point to the usefulness of the DAS as a potential screening device for low self-esteem and depression in adolescent girls who have diabetes. The importance of diabetes as a scapegoat for normal adolescent concerns is discussed. It was also hypothesized that depression in adolescents may be expressed through concerns about diabetes. The importance of exploring relationships with peers and fathers is emphasized.

Iranian diabetic adolescent girls’ quality of life: perspectives on barriers

“…Other psychological problems of juvenile are as dependence‐independence balance, self‐perception, sexual identification and body image changes (14). Management problems in adolescents with diabetes cited by clinicians include frequent food sprees, falsified urine test reports, forgetting to take insulin, and numerous missed appointments (15).…”

Emotional maladjustment, physical malaise and diabetic control in young chinese patients with diabetes

“…Diabetes is known to be associated with increased prevalence of depressive problems in the afflicted (Rodin, 1990;Sanders et al, 1975;Sullivan, 1979). Identification of high risk precursors predisposing individuals to poor diabetic control, complications, and psychological morbidity is an important priority task for the health care provider.…”

Relationship of Self-efficacy and Binging to Adherence to Diabetes Regimen Among Adolescents

“…Although recent studies suggest that most youngsters with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus are, in fact, quite well adjusted (4)(5)(6)(7)(8), poorer adjustment appears to be associated with poor metabolic control (9)(10)(11)(12) or diabetic complications (13,14). When health-care providers place a premium on good control, youngsters who do not live up to this expectation may experience lowered self-esteem and feelings of depression.…”