Brief Report: Parent Perceptions of Hypoglycemic Symptoms of Youth With Diabetes; Disease Disclosure Minimizes Risk of Negative Evaluations
1 University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and 2 University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and Medical College of Wisconsin
All correspondence should be sent to W. Hobart Davies, PhD, Department of Psychology, PO Box 413, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211. E-mail: hobart{at}uwm.edu.
Objective Based on a theoretical model, this study explored the effects that the disclosure of diabetes has on parental perceptions of a hypothetical child experiencing hypoglycemia. Methods Parents (N = 610) first read vignettes that varied in a 2 x 2 design (Male vs. Female Character x Preventative Disclosure of Illness vs. Nondisclosure) and then answered several questions regarding the hypothetical child, resulting in four subscales that were validated using confirmatory factor analysis. Results Disclosure of diabetes significantly increased perceptions of a medical problem, decreased suspicions of drug use, and presented a lower risk of parental restrictions on future contact with their child. Conclusions Individuals who disclose their diabetes may prevent negative social consequences and restrictions on social contact. Those who choose not to disclose may risk having a hypoglycemic event perceived as a drug or alcohol problem, which may ultimately interfere with appropriate medical intervention in a hypoglycemic event.
Key words: diabetes; preventative disclosure; hypoglycemia; parental perceptions.