Paediatrics Publications
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2011
Journal
Journal of Pediatric Psychology
Volume
36
Issue
5
First Page
618
Last Page
629
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1093/jpepsy/jsr022
Abstract
Objective: To explore the potential utility of a general and diabetes-specific measure of coparenting by evaluating linkages between coparenting and both the psychosocial and medical adjustment of children with type 1 diabetes (TID). Method: Mothers and fathers of children (ages 8-12 years; n=61) with TID completed questionnaires including measures of general and diabetes-specific coparenting, and children's internalizing and externalizing problems. Medical adjustment included parent-reported diabetes management behaviors, children's self-reported diabetes quality of life (QOL), and metabolic control (HbA1c) assessed during clinic appointments. Results: Coparenting conflict around general child rearing tasks was significantly related to children's internalizing and externalizing problems. Diabetes-specific coparenting conflict was linked to poorer diabetes management behaviors and children's reports of poorer diabetes-specific quality of life, but not HbA1c. Conclusions: Significant findings offer preliminary support for the inclusion of coparenting assessments among children with TID and warrant further exploration. © The Author 2009.