Brief report: A cognitive behavioral intervention for distressed adolescents with Type I diabetes

Abstract

Objective: To examine the impact of a cognitive behavioral intervention for distressed adolescents with Type I diabetes. Methods: Six youths with elevated levels of anxiety, anger, or diabetes stress received training in cognitive restructuring and problem solving in individual sessions. A multiple baseline design across participants was used. Treatment effectiveness was assessed through measures of anxiety, anger expression, and diabetes stress. Results: Four youths displayed some improvement on one or more variables for which they had elevated levels during baseline, while others showed no impact. Conclusions: Cognitive behavioral interventions show some promise for distressed youths with Type I diabetes. Individual youths responded to treatment differently. Further research is needed in developing procedures to better meet the needs of youths, improve youth participation, and enhance treatment effectiveness.