ADOLESCENTS

While people grow and mature they discover what is important to them and develop morals and values that construct personalities. Personalities influence how people cope and deal with issues such as the diagnosis of diabetes. �Emotional stability would influence diabetes self-care behaviors indirectly through its effect on illness beliefs� (Skinner et al., 2002, p. 61). Diabetics who are emotionally stable have positive emotions therefore better deal with the diagnosis of diabetes. Reliability, perseverance, self-discipline and emotional stability all equate to better diabetic management and prevention of diabetes related complications.

Parents of adolescents with diabetes may find it difficult to allow their child to take responsibility of their self-care. There is a reluctance due to the risk of fatal complications such as, hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis. As a result, the young adult receives reinforcement of both dependent and independent behaviors from the parents (Christian & D�Auria, 1999, p. 256). As an adolescent becomes a young adult he or she may begin to regard other things in life as more important than self- care (Bobrow et al., as cited in Kyngas & Hentinen, 1995). Therefore, as mentioned earlier, the quality of treatment must be examined and assessed to ensure that the young adults needs are being met, especially as they prepare to leave home. As they move away from home the adolescent�s support system must be intact to ensure self-care. �Smooth, uneventful transition into the adult health care system is extremely important for an adolescent�s short-and-long term welfare� (Fleming et al., 2002, p. 562).

Christian, B.J., & D�Auria, J. P. (1999, May/June) Gaining freedom: Self-responsibility in adolescents with diabetes. Pediatric Nursing, 25, 255- 262.

Fleming, E., Bernie, C., & Warren, G. (2002). The transition of adolescents with diabetes from the children�s health care service into the adult health service. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 11, 560-568.

Kyngas, H., & Hentinen, M. (1995). Meaning attached to compliance with self-care, and coalitions for compliance among young diabetics. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 21, 729-736.

Kyngas, H., & Rissanen, M. (2001). Support as a crucial predictor of good compliance of adolescents with a chronic disease. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 10, 767- 775.

Skinner, T.C., Hampson, S.E., & Fife-Shaw, C. (2002). Personality, personal model beliefs, and self-care in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes. Health Psychology, 21, 61-70.

Wolpert, H.A., & Anderson, B.J. (2001). Young adults with diabetes: Need for a new treatment paradigm. Diabetes Care, 24, 1513-1514.