The transition to adulthood and mothers' quality of life: The influence of type 1 diabetes.

Abstract

Introduction: There is a paucity of information about the quality of life in mothers during their adolescent-young adult's transition to adulthood. To ensure family-centered care throughout the lifespan, this research seeks to gain a better understanding of the influence of Type 1 diabetes on the mother's quality of life during their adolescent-young adult's transition to adulthood.

Method: In this convergent parallel mixed methods study using the Family Management Style Framework, a sample of 72 mothers of adolescent-young adults (15-25 years) completed measures of social support, diabetes distress, and Type 1 diabetes health-related quality of life. From this sample, 12 mothers participated in interviews to further characterize the influences of Type 1 diabetes on mothers during the transition to adulthood.

Results: Mothers reported continued Type 1 diabetes-related distress related to lack of control of diabetes management, disrupted sleep patterns, and lack of support. Type 1 diabetes health-related quality of life was positively associated with perceived social support (τb = .194, p < .024) and negatively associated with diabetes distress (τb = -.629, p < .001).

Discussion: Despite the significance of their role during the adolescent-young adult transition to adulthood, the needs of mothers during this time have been largely ignored in extant research. Isolation, lack of control, and disrupted sleep led to increased Type 1 diabetes distress and diminished quality of life for mothers during this time. This study highlights the long-term consequences of Type 1 diabetes on mothers and emphasizes the need for continued professional support for mothers during the transition to adulthood. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).