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Adolescents' behavioral autonomy related to diabetes management and adolescent activities/rules
Kathleen M Hanna1, Diana Guthrie2
1Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis (Dr Hanna)
Purpose:
The purpose of this preliminary study was to describe and explore the behavioral autonomy (both independent functioning and decision making) of adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
Methods:
A sample of 34 adolescents with type 1 diabetes completed checklists on independent functioning and decision making for daily and nondaily diabetes management as well as typical adolescent activities/rules.
Results:
Independent functioning in daily diabetes management was greater for older adolescents. Independent functioning and decision making for daily diabetes management, nondaily diabetes management, and typical adolescent activities/rules were strongly correlated. Independent decision making, but not independent functioning for daily diabetes management, was significantly correlated to metabolic control.
Conclusions:
The strong relationship between independent decision making and functioning suggests that both aspects are important parts of behavioral autonomy to be assessed by healthcare professionals working with adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Healthcare professionals should encourage parental involvement that facilitates adolescents' independent decision making, which was related to better metabolic control in this study.