Evaluation of Arts-Based Storytelling Program in Adolescents With Diabetes

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether an arts-based storytelling and narrative medicine workshop series can improve social connection, illness identity, and psychological well-being in adolescents and young adults with chronic illness, specifically diabetes.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Does participation in a narrative-based storytelling workshop improve social connectedness and peer support among adolescents and young adults with diabetes?
• Does engagement in creative arts and reflective storytelling support identity formation, self-expression, and emotional well-being in this population?

Participants will be 16-25 years old and recruited through the UCSF Pediatric Diabetes Clinic. Individuals must be able to participate in group workshops and complete surveys and interviews related to the study.

Participants will:

• Attend eight weekly workshops centered on storytelling, reflection, and creative expression
• Engage in narrative medicine activities, including writing, storytelling, drawing, and facilitated reflection
• Participate in group discussions focused on personal experiences with chronic illness
• Complete pre- and post-intervention surveys assessing psychosocial outcomes such as social connectedness, illness identity, self-concept, and mental well-being
• Participate in interviews and reflective exercises about their experiences in the program

This study aims to explore the role of narrative medicine and arts-based interventions in supporting adolescents and young adults with chronic illness and assess their potential benefits as a supplement to standard medical care.