The effect of a diabetes family camp on perceived diabetes-specific familial conflict

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of a residential diabetes family camp on perceived diabetes-specific conflict between the child with diabetes and the parent (primary diabetes caregiver). The hypothesis tested was that a residential diabetes family camp affects perceived diabetes-specific conflict between the child with diabetes and the parent. The null hypothesis was that a diabetes residential family camp does not affect perceived diabetes-specific conflict between the child with diabetes and the parent. Diabetes-specific conflict within the family can be high and may result in poor metabolic control. Conflict can increase potential for long-term diabetes complications. Anecdotally there are reports that diabetes-specific conflict is reduced as a result of the residential family camp experience, yet there seems to be no studies that exist that support or refute these reports. Family systems theory was the theoretical framework for this study (Bowen, 1963 as cited in Taylor, Covey, & Covey, 2006).The study was a one-group, pretest-posttest design and the Updated and Revised Diabetes Family Conflict Scale by Hood, Anderson, Butler and Laffel (2007) was the survey instrument used to gather quantitative data. There was no significant change in perceived diabetes-specific family conflict after the camp experience. More investigation is needed to understand the impacts of the residential family camp experience on diabetes management within the family.