Brief report: The relationship of parental support and conflict to physical activity in preadolescents with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Objective: To use structural equation modeling to provide a preliminary examination of the relationship between parental support and conflict regarding physical activity behaviors in preadolescents with type 1 diabetes. Method: Parent-child dyads (n = 85, M child age = 10.8) completed physical activity items from the Diabetes Family Behavior Scale, Diabetes Related Conflict Scale, and Self-Care Inventory. Children completed physical activity items from the Center for Disease Control's Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, and activity was further measured via 24 hr recall interviews assessing physical activity behavior on a typical day. Results: Parental conflict was related to less frequent physical activity, whereas parental support was related to more frequent physical activity. Conclusions: In this exploratory study, parental conflict and support for physical activity were related to physical activity in preadolescents with type 1 diabetes. Further research and development of interventions aimed at improving parental support and decreasing conflict around physical activity are warranted. © The Author 2008. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Pediatric Psychology. All rights reserved.