M Ferrari1,2, M Dal Cin1, M Steele3. 1. School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia. 2. School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 3. School of Allied Health, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the role of self-compassion in diabetes outcomes. Self-compassion is a construct which may be relevant to chronic conditions, given its focus on compassion toward oneself, especially in times of difficulty. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study we collected data online from 310 adults diagnosed with diabetes. The questionnaire measured three primary outcomes: self-management behaviours; HbA1c levels and psychological well-being. Potential predictors were also assessed, including self-compassion, locus of control, social support and demographics. RESULTS: Multiple regression analyses showed that self-compassion had the most consistent association with better outcomes, including all forms of self-management behaviour, HbA1c levels and psychological well-being. Self-compassion was independently associated with 55.1% of the variance in well-being. Internal locus of control was also significantly associated with better well-being and HbA1c outcomes. Chance and external locus of control and social support were generally associated with poorer outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of self-compassion are typically associated with improved self-management behaviour, medical outcomes and psychological well-being in adults with diabetes mellitus. The present findings suggest that self-compassion may be a parsimonious and suitable intervention target. Future interventions and consultations with medical professionals may benefit from fostering self-compassion in adults with diabetes mellitus.
AIM: To investigate the role of self-compassion in diabetes outcomes. Self-compassion is a construct which may be relevant to chronic conditions, given its focus on compassion toward oneself, especially in times of difficulty. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study we collected data online from 310 adults diagnosed with diabetes. The questionnaire measured three primary outcomes: self-management behaviours; HbA1c levels and psychological well-being. Potential predictors were also assessed, including self-compassion, locus of control, social support and demographics. RESULTS: Multiple regression analyses showed that self-compassion had the most consistent association with better outcomes, including all forms of self-management behaviour, HbA1c levels and psychological well-being. Self-compassion was independently associated with 55.1% of the variance in well-being. Internal locus of control was also significantly associated with better well-being and HbA1c outcomes. Chance and external locus of control and social support were generally associated with poorer outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of self-compassion are typically associated with improved self-management behaviour, medical outcomes and psychological well-being in adults with diabetes mellitus. The present findings suggest that self-compassion may be a parsimonious and suitable intervention target. Future interventions and consultations with medical professionals may benefit from fostering self-compassion in adults with diabetes mellitus.
Authors: Rebecca C Thurston; Megan M Fritz; Yuefang Chang; Emma Barinas Mitchell; Pauline M Maki Journal: Health Psychol Date: 2021-11 Impact factor: 4.267
Authors: Zev Schuman-Olivier; Marcelo Trombka; David A Lovas; Judson A Brewer; David R Vago; Richa Gawande; Julie P Dunne; Sara W Lazar; Eric B Loucks; Carl Fulwiler Journal: Harv Rev Psychiatry Date: 2020 Nov/Dec Impact factor: 3.732