Modeling Health-Related Quality of Life Among Diabetic Patients: The Mediating Role of Diabetes Self-Compassion in the Context of Stressful Life Events

Abstract

The relatively high prevalence of diabetes, the substantial costs associated with its treatment, and the increased recognition of psychological issues necessitate research in the field of diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of diabetes self-compassion in the relationship between stressful life events and the health-related quality of life in diabetic patients.

This study is of a descriptive correlational nature. The study population consisted of all patients with diabetes aged from March to July 2021, who were referred to the Diabetes Clinic of Zabol  (N = 795). The sample consisted of 400 patients selected through convenience sampling. They completed the Life Stressful Events Questionnaire, the Diabetes Self-Compassion Scale, and the health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire for diabetic patients. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and statistical software, including SPSS 22 and LISREL 8.8.

The results revealed that the direct relationship between stressful events and diabetes self-compassion was negative and significant (p < 0.01), whereas the direct relationship between stressful events and health-related quality of life was positive but non-significant (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the direct relationship between diabetes self-compassion and health-related quality of life was positive and significant (p < 0.01). Importantly, the findings also showed that the indirect relationship between stressful events and health-related quality of life is mediated by diabetes self-compassion (p < 0.01).

These findings underscore the mediating role of diabetes self-compassion in the relationship between stressful events and health-related quality of life. Based on the results of this study, educational and intervention programs grounded in self-compassion, in conjunction with medical and pharmacological treatments, can prove beneficial for the health outcomes of diabetic patients.