BACKGROUND: Positive parent-teen and peer relationships are crucial support resources for adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). There is quite a bit of research on parent-teen relationships in Western countries, less so with peer relationships. Additionally, information on these relationships and their influencing factors among adolescents from other regions with different family culture and peer cohesion is limited, which impedes the development of targeted interventions.

METHODS: This study analyzed baseline data from a randomized controlled trial in China involving 122 adolescents with T1DM aged 12-18 years. Data were collected using established questionnaires on social-demographic and clinical characteristics, perceived stress, general self-efficacy, coping styles, diabetes self-management, and parent-teen and peer relationships. Multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the associating factors of parent-teen relationships and peer relationships respectively.

RESULTS: The total score of the parent-teen relationships subscale was 11.02 ± 2.77, within a theoretical range of 4-16. The total score of the peer relationships subscale was 16.51 ± 2.42, within a theoretical range of 5-20. Positive coping styles, less negative coping styles, and more collaboration with parents in diabetes self-management were associated with better parent-teen relationships. Younger age, positive coping styles, less negative coping styles, and higher goals for diabetes self-management were associated with better peer relationships.

CONCLUSION: There is room to improve parent-teen relationships, maybe via encouraging more collaboration between parents and adolescents for diabetes management. The coping styles training is indicated to improve both relationships.