Effectiveness of Self-Compassion-Based Intervention on Mental Health and Self-Management in Patients with Type II Diabetes

Type II diabetes significantly impacts the quality of life of affected individuals. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of self-compassion-based intervention on mental health and self-management in patients with type II diabetes.

A semi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and control group was employed. The study included all type II diabetic patients attending a diabetes center in Yazd province. A targeted sampling method was used to select 30 participants, who were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (n=15 each). Both groups completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Questionnaire (DASS) by Levi Band and Levy Band (1983) before and after the intervention. The experimental group received an 8-session, 1.5-hour compassionate intervention, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using covariance analysis.

Compassion-based therapy was found effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress in patients with type II diabetes. Additionally, self-affirmation through self-management was effective in diabetes control.

The study suggests that psychological treatments, including self-compassion, should be integrated into programs and services for patients with diabetes to enhance their mental health and self-management