Role of Parenting Style in Achieving Metabolic Control in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

OBJECTIVETo examine the role of parenting style in achieving metabolic control and treatment adherence in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSParents of 100 adolescents with type 1 diabetes completed assessments of their parenting style and sense of helplessness. Parents and patients rated patient adherence to the treatment regimen. Glycemic control was evaluated by HbA1c values.RESULTSAn authoritative paternal parenting style predicted better glycemic control and adherence in the child; a permissive maternal parenting style predicted poor adherence. A higher sense of helplessness in both parents predicted worse glycemic control and lesser adherence to treatment. Parental sense of helplessness was a significant predictor of diabetes control after correcting for other confounders (patient age, sex, and treatment method).CONCLUSIONSAn authoritative nonhelpless parenting style is associated with better diabetes control in adolescents. Paternal involvement is important in adolescent diabetes management. These results have implications for psychological interventions.