Diabetes and Illness Image: An Analysis of Diabetic Early-Adolescents' Self-Perception through the Draw-a-Person Test

Abstract

To study the self-projective representations expressed by diabetic children, aged between 10 and 15 yr., and to compare these with representations of a control group the Draw-a-person test associated with those for subsequent Draw-a-sick-person were administered to 23 children regularly checked by an Antidiabetic Centre. The diabetic subjects drew an image of "sick person" having projective elements with a regressive value and denoting a refuge in the past, together with depressive signs of retiring into themselves and of less consideration of the self. Also, the diabetic children seemed to be less prone to the cultural stereotype which requires a smiling and happy image of "the healthy person." At the same time there was also a transparent symbolic defense which allowed the diabetics to adapt variously and to move from their anxious state toward psychological recovery.

The evaluation of body image in children with type 1 diabetes: A case-control study

“…Although these hypotheses are to be considered with caution, given the notable limitations of the analysis of drawings on the basis of single items (Flanagan and Motta, 2007), they are in line with the studies which show that drawings by children with type 1 diabetes or other chronic illnesses have the presence of distinctive aspects linked to the illnesses. The drawings of children with type 1 diabetes are described as being characterised by elements which testify differences in awareness and perception of the body when compared to controls (Eiser et al, 1984), as showing problems of adaptation and a sense of difference (Nuvoli et al, 1989) or as a sign of general emotional difficulty (Kortesluoma et al, 2008). Our data, in other words, indicating greater accuracy in body size perception and the presence of distinctive elements in human figure drawings, suggest the existence of aspects of body image which characterise children with type 1 diabetes and distinguish them from healthy children.…”

Drawing and Dialogue: Youth’s Experiences With the “Face” of Diabetes

“…The 3-year age advancement was purposeful, reflecting likely advancement to the next academic level, representing developmental maturation (15). Youth were observed without comment and then interviewed using a predetermined script in a structured format (16). The structured format was selected for consistency in the interview process to improve interrater reliability (17).…”

Meeting the counseling needs of children with diabetes

“…Some studies have indicated that diabetes has negative effects on self-concept (Nuvoli, Maioli, Ferrari, Pala and Chiaretti, 1989;Sullivan, 1979;Swift, Seidman and Stein, 1967). Muldoon (1978) asserts that since significant others treat diabetic children differently, they treat themselves differently and find it difficult to feel a sense of continuity and similarity with others.…”