| Type 1 diabetes is a chronic, autoimmune disease that affects approximately 1 in 400 to 600 children and adolescents (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2007). Previous literature has highlighted the need for psychological intervention in the diabetic adolescent population due to the increase in psychosocial issues that occur when the diabetic child makes the developmental transition into adolescence (Hislop, Fegan, Schlaeppi, Duck, & Yeap, 2007; Massengale, 2005). In addition, there is strong empirical support for the use of cognitive-behavioral interventions to help improve issues such as mood and treatment adherence among this population (Hains, Davies, Parton, & Silverman, 2001). As the accessibility and use of technology continues to expand, especially among the youth, it is becoming increasingly more beneficial to utilize online resources to break down some of the barriers to mental health services (Ruwaard et al., 2009). With consideration of all these factors, this dissertation involved the creation of an online social network page for adolescents having difficulty coping with the psychological impact of Type 1 diabetes. The network page provides several resources utilizing evidence-based cognitive-behavioral techniques to improve psychosocial functioning by teaching adolescents how to set goals, problem-solve, identify and change their cognitive distortions, and communicate effectively. Seven experts in the field of psychology and pediatric psychology reviewed the social network page and provided feedback via survey based on five broad themes, including organization, accuracy, age appropriateness, usefulness, and therapeutic effectiveness. Overall, feedback was generally positive; and all themes were significantly correlated with each other. Reviewers most strongly endorsed the accuracy of the information presented, although many also suggested that the amount of content presented may be too overwhelming for adolescents. Feedback will be incorporated into the final revisions of the social network page for its future use among the diabetic adolescent population. |
