Attachment and stress in children with type 1 Diabetes and their mothers

Abstract

Objective: To understand the relationship between attachment and diabetes and the role of stress mediators in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their mothers.

Material and Method: The following assessment instruments were applied as self-report measures: Attachment Scale (ECRR), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Security Scale (SS), and the Stress in Children (SiC) questionnaire, which were completed by children and their mothers. We analyzed demographic variables, diabetes onset time, and the average of the last three glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurements as a parameter of metabolic control in the last year.

Results: Attachment strategies of both mother and child, as well as maternal stress, showed a significant association with the child’s diabetes outcomes, although with important gender differences.

Conclusions: Both mother and child attachment strategies are relevant aspects of the T1D course.