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Behavioral intervention to reduce child distress during self-injection
K E Moore1, G R Geffken, G P Royal
1University of Florida Health Science Center, Gainsville 32610-0234, USA.
Insights
Cognitive-behavioral therapy significantly reduced injection time and distress in two patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. This treatment package offers a promising approach for managing needle phobia during self-care.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Fear of pain during self-administered insulin injections is a common challenge for individuals with diabetes.
- Anticipatory distress can negatively impact treatment adherence and quality of life.
Abstract:
We investigated the effects of a cognitive-behavioral treatment package on reduction of anticipatory fear of pain during self-administered insulin injections. Two patients diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus participated. An ABAB design was employed; the intervention conditions consisted of cue-controlled breathing, filmed modeling, pacing, and reinforcement. A substantial reduction in the mean time for injection and a reduction in behaviors indicative of anticipatory distress were achieved under intervention conditions. The clinical importance of the study is discussed and areas for future research are identified.