According to Bandura (1977), representations are
formed and maintained in memory and eventually
reproduced in behavior. The role-modeling litera-
ture (e.g., Okagaki & Bevis, 1999; Rossow &
Rise, 1994) indicates similarity in parents’ and
adolescents’ values and behaviors. Assessment
and understanding of a family member’s illness
representation of diabetes may provide insight
into the beliefs that shape a relative’s own self-care
behavior. Other factors may include witnessing
family members’ caring or lack of caring for
themselves in conjunction with experiencing
physical complications due to diabetes, which
may influence the value placed on self-care
behavior.