Children with recently diagnosed diabetes: Interactions within their families.

Analyzed how families with a diabetic child interact and how these patterns differ from other families, using 57 diabetic and 48 acutely ill early adolescents and preadolescents from 2-parent families. The 2 samples were contrasted in terms of enabling and constraining interactions of each family member. Findings reveal that diabetic Ss and their parents expressed significantly more enabling (e.g., focusing, problem-solving, active understanding) speeches than comparable members of the acute illness group. There were indications of particular constraining interactions (devaluing) occurring between fathers and diabetic Ss. Several alternative interpretations are offered to account for these results. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)