| Summary: | Objective Three constructs; motivation (Deci & Ryan, 2000), self-efficacy (Bandura, 1997), and illness representations (Leventhal, et al. 1984), were examined in relation to dietary self-care, metabolic control (HbA1c levels) and diabetes related distress in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). To bring the cognitive theories into a social context, family responsibility, and the perceptions of parents and their distress levels were also evaluated. Method 85 adolescents, aged 12-18 years, and 80 parents/carers completed self-report questionnaires. Results Multiple regression analysis identified that parents’ perceptions of adolescent motivation and parent-child discrepancies in self-efficacy accounted for 18% of the variance in HbA1c levels. Age moderated the relationship between no responsibility and HbA1c levels. The relationship between motivation and dietary self-care was mediated by dietary self-efficacy. Adolescent consequence beliefs, motivation and self-efficacy accounted for 36% of the variance in adolescents’ distress levels. Parents’ perceived consequences and perception of adolescent motivation accounted for 14% of the variance in parent diabetes related distress. Conclusion Adolescent and parent perceptions of motivation, self-efficacy and consequences are important variables to consider when assessing different diabetes outcomes. The study concludes by discussing study limitations and areas for future research, as well highlighting the clinical implications of the findings.
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