Mechanisms underlying the development of eating disorders and disordered eating in adolescent females with type 1 diabetes
Authors' conclusion
The study extends previous developmental pathways of ED/DE in adolescents with T1D. We propose a biopsychosocial model that incorporates various factors: predisposing factors such as parental management of T1D and weight gain during adolescence; precipitating factors including comments on weight, frequency of weighing, perceptions of surveillance; the perpetuating bilateral influence of ED/DE and T1D and finally highlighting the protective mechanisms of disease acceptance encompassing parental handling of diagnosis and the contribution of healthcare professionals (HCP's) role in psychoeducation. The present study highlight the vulnerability of adolescence in the presence of T1D, particularly concerning issues related to eating, weight, and body. It offers clinically relevant insights, with the aim to improve communication and management strategies for this very specific group.
Study context
- Population
- Adolescent females aged 14–18 years with T1D and eating disorders/disordered eating (ED/DE)
- Participants
- 14 interviews
- Outcome
- Themes on mechanisms of ED/DE development in T1D
Methodological detailssemi-structured interviews, reflexive thematic analysis
- Semi-structured interviews
- Reflexive thematic analysis
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Four main themes: 'Interconnected afflictions', 'Judgment', 'Feeling Different', 'Chaos & Control'
- Shame and guilt emerged as common underlying mechanism of the interconnectedness of T1D and ED/DE
- A biopsychosocial model was developed by integrating these data with existing models
Original publication
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