Young individuals with Type 1 Diabetes have an increased risk for psychological and emotional problems. However, little is known of the factors which encounter for depression among young individuals with Type 1 Diabetes.

The present study aimed first to examine differences on psychological variables between disease and non-disease groups and second to determine the developmental, psychosocial and health predictors of depression in young individuals with Type 1 Diabetes.

The sample consisted of 123 participants with Type 1 Diabetes and 123 healthy controls, aged from 12 to 26 years, 32.9 % males, recruited from different states of Australia and completed a battery of self report questionnaires for development, anxiety, depression, coping, health behaviours, social support and psychological adjustment to diabetes.

Young adults with Type 1 diabetes (n=62) reported significantly higher depression scores and lower levels of problem focused coping than their controls, p< .05. Adolescents with Type 1 diabetes (n=61) reported more health behaviors than those without, p< .01. Using regression analysis findings showed that significant predictors of depression for participants with Type 1 Diabetes were development, independent living, social support (degree of satisfaction), health behaviours and problem focused coping.

Psychological interventions specifically designed for the enhancement of positive coping, independent living skills and social satisfaction could be important for the prevention and/or management of depressive symptoms among individuals with Type 1 Diabetes.