Parents' perceptions of diabetes in adolescent daughters and its impact on the family

Parent's perceptions of diabetes in adolescent daughters and its impact on the family was examined. Transitions in health and developmental state affect the experience of families and the ability to make needed adjustments. Adjustments in the parental subsystem are required at adolescence to promote increased independence. Qualitative content analysis of semistructured parent interviews showed that the daughter's diabetes was perceived to draw the whole family closer together while negatively affecting the spousal relationship. Episodes of poor diabetic control were experienced or anticipated in relation to adolescence. Suffering emotional distress was a central process related to parental concerns about diabetic control.