Abstract

Coping with the responsibility of raising a child with diabetes is a serious challenge for parents. The methods parents use to cope can influence the child's future outcome. Therefore, the purpose of this descriptive study was to identify the use and effectiveness of coping mechanisms among parents of children with Type 1 diabetes. A convenience sample of 4 0 parents with a diabetic child was obtained from a diabetic support group and a pediatric endocrinology clinic in the Southeastern United States. Data were collected using the Jalowiec Coping Scale and the researcher-designed Demographic Survey. Analysis of data was conducted using descriptive statistics to answer the following research questions: What coping mechanisms are most frequently used by parents of children with Type 1 diabetes and what coping mechanisms are most effective for parents of children with Type 1 diabetes? Findings from the data analysis indicated that the most frequently used and most effective coping mechanisms were optimistic and confrontative. Additional coping mechanisms utilized 111 but not specifically included in the research tool were use of spirituality and use of outdoor recreational activities. Based on the findings from this study, several recommendations including discussion and encouragement of the use of effective coping mechanisms in the care of families with diabetic children were made by the researcher. Other recommendations included replication of a similar study using a larger sample from other geographic areas.

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Graduate Nursing

Degree Date

8-1-1999

Publication Number

27924527

First Advisor

Lorraine Hamm

Document Type

Thesis

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Nursing Commons

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