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Qualitative analysis of helpful and unhelpful aspects of social relationships among young adults with type 1 diabetes
Author(s) -
Gray Avia L.,
Campbell MaryJane S.,
Berg Cynthia A.,
Wiebe Deborah J.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
diabetic medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.474
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1464-5491
pISSN - 0742-3071
DOI - 10.1111/dme.14441
Subject(s) - medicine , context (archaeology) , diabetes management , psychological intervention , qualitative research , diabetes mellitus , social support , type 2 diabetes , social environment , gerontology , developmental psychology , nursing , social psychology , psychology , endocrinology , paleontology , social science , sociology , political science , law , biology
Aims Young adulthood is a high‐risk time for type 1 diabetes management when individuals are managing diabetes within changing social contexts and new social relationships. This qualitative study examined helpful and unhelpful aspects of social relationships in the daily lives of young adults with type 1 diabetes. Methods Semi‐structured qualitative interviews with 29 young adults with type 1 diabetes (ages 22–24, mean = 23 years; 55% female) explored: (a) who in the past week was present when diabetes management occurred; (b) what others did that was helpful or unhelpful for diabetes management; (c) what made helpful and unhelpful aspects of social relationships more or less likely; and (d) what young adults disclosed to others about diabetes. Results Romantic partners and parents were commonly present and helpful in giving reminders and offering instrumental support, but the presence of trusted individuals was also helpful to management. Co‐workers and friends were present during episodes of diabetes management but were often unhelpful, especially when lacking knowledge about participants’ diabetes or its management. Participants also discussed conflicting and spontaneous changes in schedules were unhelpful to management. Disclosing diabetes to others and planning for social context barriers were described as strategies to facilitate helpful and reduce unhelpful aspects of social relationships. Conclusions Young adults face social barriers to management if they are unable to utilize their relationships effectively. Interventions to promote disclosure to trusted others and planning to avoid social context‐related barriers to diabetes management may facilitate more effective self‐management at this high‐risk time of development.