Psychological separation, health locus of control, and transition readiness in adolescents and young adults with type I diabetes

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of psychological separation and health locus of control on the health care transition readiness of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with type 1 diabetes. Methods Data were collected between December 2020 and October 2021. One hundred twelve AYAs with type 1 diabetes treated at a tertiary hospital and under follow-up observation as well as AYAs with type 1 diabetes nationwide who were part of the type 1 diabetes internet community were enrolled. The Psychological Separation Inventory, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale from C, and the Self-management and Transition to Adulthood with Therapeutics = Rx Questionnaire were used. Results Multiple regression analysis indicated that age (β = 0.302, p = .001), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (β = −0.174, p = .040), conflictual separation (β = 0.242, p = .005), functional separation (β = 0.200, p = .045) and attitudinal separation (β = −0.240 p = .015) were significantly associated with health management transition readiness; these predictors explained 27.6% of health care transition readiness (F = 8.062, p = .000). Conclusions AYAs with type 1 diabetes can enhance readiness for health care transition by fostering psychological separation from parents, effectively managing blood glucose levels, and taking into account age-related factors during the preparation process. At this point, it is essential for healthcare professionals to guide parents in recognizing adolescents' psychological independence and facilitating their supportive role through the process of redefining their roles. Practice implications Health care providers should promote psychological separation in AYAs. Additionally, taking into account the developmental characteristics of adolescence can facilitate a successful health care transition.