Attributions of teacher reactions to diabetes self-care behaviors

Abstract

Objective: This study had two objectives: examine relationships among negative attributions of teacher reactions, anticipated adherence difficulties, teacher support, diabetes stress, and metabolic control; and develop questionnaires to test these relationships. Methods: One hundred and two youths with type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes completed instruments measuring attribution of teacher reactions, anticipated adherence, teacher support, and diabetes stress. Metabolic control was measured by percentage of hemoglobin A 1c. Results: Structural equation modeling demonstrated that negative attributions had direct effects on anticipated adherence difficulties and diabetes stress. Diabetes stress had a direct effect on metabolic control. Negative attributions had a significant indirect effect on metabolic control through associations with diabetes stress. Teacher support moderated the path between negative attributions and anticipated adherence difficulties. Conclusions: Youths making negative attributions about teacher's reactions are likely to find adherence difficult in school situations and have increased stress. Results are discussed in terms of a social information processing model of adjustment and practical applications. © The Author 2008. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Pediatric Psychology. All rights reserved.