Using Photo-Elicitation to Explore Young Adult Perspectives on Coping with Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Objective: Young adults with type 1 diabetes face multiple challenges managing their disease and navigating the life transitions of emerging adulthood. This places them at increased risk for poor health and psychological outcomes. The purpose of the present formative evaluation study was to assess the impact of diabetes on their lives and identify salient messages for health promotion using an online photo-elicitation technique.Research Design and Method: Thirty young adults participated by submitting photographs and written narratives describing how diabetes has impacted their lives.Results: Diabetes negatively impacts young adults' social connections, identity, and self-perceptions; yet, mechanisms for coping and personal growth were identified among participants.Conclusions: Young adults with diabetes face significant challenges in coping with the disease; however, they are able to reframe their experience in positive ways using effective coping strategies, such as communicating with others who understand what life with diabetes is like and developing social connections.

Young Adulthood and Unique Challenges in Living with Type 1 Diabetes

“…Fear of complications from diabetes, feeling different from peers, and frustrations with self-care management obstacles result in feelings of isolation, worry, and hopelessness. The emotional impact of diabetes was described as profound and something participants often cannot fully handle (Melton and Johnson 2015). Psychological distress is related to frequency of hypoglycemic episodes and method of insulin administration, with significantly greater distress being observed in those using multiple daily injection (MDI) (Kipps, Bahu et al 2002).…”

“…Fear of complications from diabetes, feeling different from peers, and frustrations with self-care management obstacles resulted in feelings of isolation, worry, and hopelessness. (Melton & Johnson 2015).…”

“…Young adults with Type I DM have to reconcile the demands of their illness with the challenges of identity development (Abdoli, Ashktorab et al 2014). Moreover, Type I DM negatively impacts young adults' identity, selfperceptions and social connections (Melton and Johnson 2015). They may experience a shift in identity and selfconcept upon their diagnosis of diabetes, coming to see themselves as "different," or "not normal," (Dovey-Pearce, Doherty et al 2007).…”

“…Emerging adults with Type I DM, face more challenges managing their illness and navigating the life transitions of adulthood (Melton and Johnson, 2015). This places them at an increased risk for loss to follow-up and adverse health outcomes, including poor glycemic control, emergence of chronic diabetes complications, and premature mortality (Petitti, Klingensmith et al 2009;Peters, Laffel et al 2011;Garvey, Wolpert et al 2012;Lotstein, Seid et al 2013;Gill, Nayak et al 2014).…”