Risk Factors for Eating Disturbances in Young People with Type 1 Diabetes and Chronic Asthma: The Role of Parenting Style and Self-Esteem.

Background Research indicates that eating disturbances are twice as prevalent among adolescents with type 1 diabetes compared to their healthy peers; comparisons with other chronic illness groups are inconclusive. Adolescent self-esteem and parenting factors have been found to be associated with eating disturbances in type 1 diabetes. However, to date the literature is methodologically limited by a lack of comparison group, and has failed to consider the role of parent care and overprotection. Aims This study aimed to explore the relationship between adolescent-perceived parent care and overprotection, self-esteem and eating disturbances in a group of adolescents with type 1 diabetes compared to a group with asthma. Method Participants were 16 – 18 year old males and females with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (n = 65) or asthma (n = 37) recruited through NHS clinics. The Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire was used along with the Parental Bonding Instrument, as a measure of parent overprotection and care, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. A cross-sectional, self-report questionnaire design was utilised. Results Unexpectedly, the asthma group reported significantly higher levels of eating psychopathology than the type 1 diabetes group. Significant negative associations were found between parent care and eating disturbances in both illness groups. Additionally, significant positive associations were found between parent overprotection and eating disturbances in the type 1 diabetes group, but not the asthma group. As predicted, self-esteem was strongly negatively correlated with eating disturbances in both groups. Conclusion Overall, the results suggest that adolescents with both asthma and type 1 diabetes may be vulnerable to higher levels of eating psychopathology, which in turn is associated with poorer self-esteem and less adaptive parenting. The findings are considered in relation to illness-related weight gain and the broader impact of chronic illness. The theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of East Anglia

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Author dc:creator

• Hatton, J

Language dc:language

en