Literature Review Blog Post #3

Citation: 

• Saylor, Jennifer, et al. “Positive Health Benefits of Peer Support and Connections for College Students With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.” Sage Journals, The Diabetes Educator, 27 June 2018, journals-sagepub-com.proxy.libraries.rutgers.edu/doi/pdf/10.1177/0145721718765947.

Summary:

• In the article, the author argues that a peer support group for those college students who suffer with type 1 diabetes is clearly beneficial. It is argued that by having such a support group within a university, students who are involved in the group tend to experience feeling less isolated, anxiety and depression while also becoming better at managing their diabetes than those who were not part of the college peer support group.

Authors:

• The authors of the article are, Jennifer Saylor, Sara Lee, Michelle Ness, Jodie M. Ambrosino, Emily Ike, Melissa Ziegler, Christina L. Roth, Christina Calamaro. What makes these authors knowledgeable about T1D and the studies around it is the fact that they are all doctors who either study, teach, or have dealt with patients who have T1D. With that said, all of the doctors who contributed to the article are well versed in the chronic disease which allows them to add extensive information they have gained through years of working closely with the disease.

Key Terms:

• Young Adulthood- Described as being a period of instability and vulnerability, where the transition into college often forces teens to quickly adapt and rely on themselves, becoming independent in order to deal with their own problems. 
• university-based diabetes student organization- An organization held within a college/university that is run by students with diabetes in order to support those who are seeking support for complications with their disease.

Quotes:

• "college students who were affiliated with a university-based diabetes student organization were more likely to use disability accommodations" (Saylor, p.344).
• " Participating in this peer social network may mitigate burnout, which may have the potential for derailing a student’s education, and contributes to negative physical and mental health outcomes" (p.346).
• " Acceptance has been related to more adaptive psychological functioning, fewer T1DM-related problems, and better treatment adherence" (p.344).

Value:

• This article will help me in exploring my research question because it takes into account the mental aspect of T1D, more so rather than the physic aspect. It unveils the harsh reality that many students with the disease suffer from on a daily basis, especially if they are not involved in a college based peer support group. Further, the study shows how those students involved in such groups benefit both mentally and physically, this puts an emphasis on the mental aspect of T1D and how it may be just as important as the physical aspect.