Factor Structure of the Escala de Autoeficacia para la Depresión en Adolescentes (EADA)

Diabetes-Related Stigma among Adolescents: Emotional Self-Efficacy, Aggressiveness, Self-Care, and Barriers to Treatment Compliance

Recent studies indicate that over 60% of adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) experience diabetes-related stigma (DRS). DRS may affect their emotional self-efficacy (ESE), behavior, and self-care while increasing barriers to comply with physical and mental health treatment. We examined differences in ESE, aggressiveness, self-care, and barriers to comply with treatment among 51 T1D youths (aged 12-17 years) with (G1; n = 35) and without (G2; n = 16) any history of DRS enrolled in a depression treatment study. Using a MANOVA followed by individual univariate analyses, we compared groups in continuous variables, and to conduct comparisons in categorical variables, we used Chi-square tests. MANOVA results were significant, F(5, 45) = 3.20, p = .015. G1 reported lower scores than G2 on ESE, perception of the potential therapeutic impact of group sessions, and family support to comply with insulin treatment. G1 caregivers perceived their offspring as more aggressive and affected by barriers to treatment adherence than their counterparts. G1 members showed a higher proportion of cases with body mass index problems, non-compliance with their meal plan, and multiple episodes of hypoglycemia. Compared to G2, a lower percentage of adolescents in G1 met the recommended glycemic control levels. Our findings support the relationship of DRS with a lower ESE, more behavioral problems, difficulties in food-related self-care, and more barriers to comply with the treatment of diabetes and emotional problems in adolescents. They suggest the need for large-scale education to prevent DRS and psychosocial interventions to combat its impact in adolescents.

The Influence of Peer Relationships on Latina Adolescents' Experiences with Depressive Symptoms

PURPOSE

Previous research has demonstrated that peers may play an integral role in the development of depressive symptoms among Latina adolescents; however, little is known about the function of peers in the ongoing management of depressive symptoms for Latina adolescents. The purpose of this study was to describe how peers influence Latina adolescents' experiences with the onset and ongoing management of depressive symptoms.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Qualitative descriptive methods were used in conducting semi-structured interviews with twenty-five young Latinas (ages 13-20) who had a history of depressive symptoms during adolescence. Participants were asked to describe their experiences with depressive symptoms and how they interacted with others in relation to their depressive symptoms. Thematic analysis methods were used to identify common themes in how peers influenced Latina adolescents' experiences with depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

Latina adolescents experienced tensions with peers in the development, disclosure, and self-management of depressive symptoms. Peers were: 1) allies and bullies; 2) confidants and betrayers; and 3) up-lifters and downers.

CONCLUSIONS

Peer relationships can be a source of risk and resiliency for Latina adolescents throughout the process of experiencing depressive symptoms.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Interventions preventing or treating depression among Latina adolescents should capitalize on the strengths of peer relationships, while recognizing that peers may also contribute to risk.