Making the leap and finding your feet: A qualitative study of disclosure and social support in university students with type 1 diabetes

Andrea Ellen Habenicht, Stephen Gallagher, Mary Claire O’Keeffe, Ann Marie Creaven

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

University poses unique challenges surrounding disclosure for students living with type 1 diabetes, with implications for social support and self-management. Semi-structured interviews with students and peer interviewers living with type 1 diabetes explored university experiences of disclosure and social support. Thematic analysis identified three major themes: disclosure as a measured process, the need for lived experience for true understanding and personal growth and self-awareness. Findings emphasize the need to scaffold the university transition for individuals with type 1 diabetes as disclosure can elicit effective social support. In addition, the importance of lived experience suggests support from students with type 1 diabetes could considerably impact diabetes management.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)260-269
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Health Psychology
Volume26
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2021

Keywords

  • diabetes
  • illness perceptions
  • qualitative methods
  • social support
  • students

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