Effectiveness of Mentalization-Based Treatment for Children on Reflective Functioning and Emotional Awareness in Children with Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a common endocrine disease in children that can have significant physical and psychological consequences for the individual and their family. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of Mentalization-Based Treatment for Children (MBT-C) on reflective function and emotional awareness in children with T1D.

Methods and Materials:

 In this quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design with two experimental and control groups, and a two-month follow-up period, children with T1D who referred to the pediatric endocrinology clinic were included. The study participants were randomly divided into two groups: experimental and control. The experimental group received MBT-C in ten 60-minute sessions, as well as 30-minute weekly sessions with their mothers. The control group received no intervention during this period and was on the waiting list. In the pretest stage, both groups completed the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire and the Emotional Awareness Questionnaire. After the treatment sessions, both groups completed the questionnaires in the posttest and follow-up stages, and the results were compared.

In this study, 30 children with T1D were evaluated in the experimental and control groups. The results of repeated-measures ANOVA showed that mentalization treatment for children had a significant effect on improving reflective functioning and emotional awareness in 8-12-year-old children with T1D, and the treatment effects were maintained in the follow-up stage p<0.001.

The results of this study indicate the effectiveness of MBT-C in improving reflective functioning and emotional awareness in children with T1D. These positive effects were also stabilized after the completion of the treatment. MBT-C helps children develop self-awareness and self-regulation, enabling them to better identify and manage their emotions. This highlights the importance and application of MBT-C in the effective management of chronic childhood diseases such as T1D.