Topical Review: Youth With Type 1 Diabetes: What Is the Role of Peer Support?

Abstract

The literature on the role of peer support for psychological well-being and disease management among youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is mixed. In this topical review, we use self-determination theory (SDT) as a framework to understand the conditions under which peer support is helpful or unhelpful regarding psychological well-being and diabetes management. We briefly review the literature to support our claim that existing research on peer support is inconsistent. A primary reason for the inconsistency is that previous work largely focuses on diabetes instrumental and informational support from peers, which have the potential to threaten SDT needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Instrumental and informational support may set youth with T1D apart from peers at a time when fitting in with peers is crucial. Instead, we argue that emotional support from and companionship with peers best meet the SDT need of relatedness while not posing direct threats to autonomy or competence. We also note that some youth have extremely high needs for relatedness such that they prioritize connecting with peers over diabetes management. We conclude by calling for more research to adopt a SDT theory approach to examine the role of peer support in the lives of youth with T1D and for health care professionals to expand their focus from the specifics of diabetes to the broader social context.