Page No.39-46
Sameena Sultana
Bangalore University, Bangalore
Anna Oommen and Shanmugham, V.
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore
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The aim of the study was to understand psychological adjustment in juvenile
diabetics. A sample of 30 children in the age range of 6 to 15 years , diagnosed as
Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) and their mothers were selected for
the study. The tools used were the Culture Free Self-Esteem Inventory, Functional
Disability Inventory and Impact of Childhood Illness Scale. The results revealed
that only on general self-esteem, IDDM children scored significantly lower than
controls. They however scored higher on the lie scale, indicating defensiveness.
Functional Disability, Self Esteem and Impact of Illness were significantly correlated.
The illness had a significant impact on both the child and his family. Authors
emphasize that associated psychological problems of IDDM children need to be
handled by mental health professionals
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