Intergenerational transmission of attachment patterns in families with a child or adolescent with type 1 diabetes and therapeutic interventions

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most demanding chronic illnesses in childhood and adolescence, as it requires continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels, adjustment of insulin therapy, and a high level of daily involvement of both the child and the family in disease management. Beyond the demanding medical regimen, T1DM significantly affects emotional functioning and family relationships. To date, relatively few studies have examined the intergenerational transmission of attachment representations between parents and children or adolescents with a chronic illness such as T1DM. The aim of this narrative review is to synthesize existing research on the intergenerational transmission of attachment representations in families of children or adolescents with T1DM, the associations between T1DM and family attachment patterns, and the impact of the disease on the family system. The second part of the article focuses on a review of therapeutic interventions for families of children or adolescents with T1DM and their effects on metabolic control.