Intrinsic motivation in ethnic minority youth with type 1 diabetes

ABSTRACTIncreasing intrinsic motivation (IM) may be an effective way to improve regimen adherence and glycemic control in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This preliminary study evaluated the reliability and validity of a new measure of intrinsic motivation for diabetes management for ethnic minority youth with T1D. The 12-item Intrinsic Motivation Inventory for Diabetes Management (IMI-DM) was developed to assess perceptions of confidence in and the importance of engaging in self-care behaviors for diabetes management. Participants included 51 11–16 year-old minority adolescents (mean age = 13.5 years) with T1D and their parents. The IMI-DM demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = 0.92). Higher IM was associated with better diabetes self-management behaviors and glycemic control, better youth self-concept, less depression and family conflict, and greater youth responsibilities for diabetes management. These findings provide preliminary support for the reliability and validity of a new diabetes-s...