Coping Skills Training for Youths With Diabetes

Abstract

The ability to self-manage diabetes is crucial for youths with type 1 diabetes and for the prevention of type 2 diabetes. However, such abilities are based not only in education but also in the acquisition of behavioral skills that assist with the application of such knowledge. This review describes a series of studies on a cognitive behavioral intervention called coping skills training, which is designed to enhance youths' ability to manage diabetes. Margaret Grey, DrPH, RN, FAAN Coping Skills Training for Youths With DiabetesDuring the past 20 years, results of several major trials have demonstrated that intensive management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes can delay or prevent the onset and progression of many complications of the disease.

Identification of Minimal Clinically Important Difference Scores of the PedsQL in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

“…For example, given previous evidence of strong associations between lower QOL and more depressive symptoms (10), QOL interventions that address diabetes-specific emotional concerns may be particularly beneficial. These data support published and ongoing intervention studies that demonstrate benefits of providing psychological support and skills training to youth with diabetes (12,23). …”

“…One hypothesis is that patients who perceive better QOL may encounter fewer barriers to diabetes management and may be more motivated to adhere to diabetes treatment recommendations such as self-monitoring. Adaptation of established psychological interventions for youth with type 1 diabetes to meet the unique needs of youth with type 2 diabetes is needed (23). …”

Testing Components of a Self-Management Theory in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

“…It is important to understand the strategies adolescents use to cope with these day-to-day challenges. With a program of research focused on Coping Skills Training (CST) in adolescents and/or parents, Grey and associates have contributed to furthering our understanding of the concept of coping and how enhancing coping skills can improve clinical outcomes through interventions focused on process skills and abilities (Grey et al, 1998;Grey, Boland, Davidson, Li, & Tamborlane, 2000;Grey et al, 2009;Grey, 2011). These interventions include reflective thinking, self-monitoring, problem solving and managing emotions (see Table 1).…”

Coping strategies and their association with diabetes specific distress, depression and diabetes self-care among people living with diabetes in Zambia

“…Adaptive coping strategies such as acceptance and active coping can help maintain good health outcomes, such as glycaemic control [15]. In contrast, maladaptive strategies such as wishful thinking and avoidant can affect metabolic control and psychosocial outcomes such as quality of life and depressive symptoms [15][16][17]. Adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies can either be problem-focused or emotional-focused.…”