Differentiating peer and friend social information-processing effects on stress and glycemic control among youth with type 1 diabetes

Many adolescents with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) find adherence difficult in social situations because they fear negative evaluations by others. These negative reaction attributions are associated with anticipated adherence difficulties, stress, and glycemic control. It is unclear whether peer versus friend attributions are distinct constructs, or whether there is a differential impact on glycemic control moderated by youth characteristics. Youth with T1D (n = 142; 58% female; 84% Caucasian, mean = 13.79 years, standard deviation = 2.10) completed the Peer Attribution and Diabetes Stress Questionnaires. HbA1cs were obtained from medical records. Negative peer versus friend attributions appear distinct and were differentially related to anticipated adherence difficulties, stress, and glycemic control, with peer attributions having the strongest effect. Grade, age, and sex were not moderators for these relationships. Peer-related attributions may be a particularly salient target for interventions to improve adherence and distress among youth with T1D.