Diabetes in Childhood and Identity Development - Dissertation Example

This perception has been based on sociologists discussing how illness is founded on identity interruptions. Studies have also highlighted how individuals often seek to protect their sense of self due to their illness.In 2011, the International Diabetes Foundation estimated that there were about 500,000 children who were suffering from diabetes. This disease has become a major global health issue with children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes requiring lifetime treatment for the disease and being at great risk for the complications of the disease.

In the years before the disease was considered a curable disease, not many children diagnosed with the disease lived more than two years past their point of diagnosis (Marks, 1965). At present, with the discovery of insulin which is the primary culprit for diabetes mortality, some changes and improvements in management have been implemented (Hanas, et.al., 2009). Various organizations and pharmaceutical companies have also secured campaigns to improve the accessibility of insulin, and in general, there has been a significant increase in the availability of insulin in health services delivery (Craig, et.al., 2009).

The possible stigma related to type 1 diabetes is an issue that is making the situation worse for diabetic children. Such stigma has been known to cause lower psychological wellness and physical well-being, including a decreased health-seeking behavior (IDF, 2011). Inequitable treatment and reduced quality in treatment have also emerged due to such stigma. With type 1 diabetic children requiring lifelong treatment and awareness, issues relating to complications and a decreased quality of treatment have been seen as a major issue (Otterson and Borte, 2012).

Families of these children also have to confront the stigma which can also cause issues in family relations. Studies considering and evaluating this issue shall now be considered in this study.The psychodynamic theory is a field of study focusing on the relationship of different parts of the mind, the personality, and the psyche referring to mental or emotional forces, especially within the unconscious levels (Freud, 1923).