Two constructs important in the illness representation of Leventhal et al. (2001)—
time line and understanding—are the focus of this study. Theoretically, time line of
illness is an essential component of Rolland’s family systems and disability theory,
and understanding of an illness is foremost learned in the family context when a
hereditarily linked illness is prevalent. This understanding may not be extinguished
or altered with diabetes education without an effort made by the educator to help the
patient identify ways in which the family member’s behavior may have contributed
to such an illness course (Figure 1).