The effects of self-compassion in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Issued Date
2025-08-01
Resource Type
ISSN
22871012
eISSN
22871292
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105016264889
Journal Title
Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Volume
30
Issue
4
Start Page
190
End Page
200
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism Vol.30 No.4 (2025) , 190-200
Suggested Citation
Jerawatana R., Weinstein B., Phattanasri C.N., Saetung S., Sahakitrungruang T., Tachanivate P., Saibuathong N., Hathaidechadusadee A., Deeampai C., Sakmanarit J., Korpaisarn S., Numsriskulrat N., Anothaisintawee T., Reutrakul S. The effects of self-compassion in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism Vol.30 No.4 (2025) , 190-200. 200. doi:10.6065/apem.2448224.112 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/112207
Title
The effects of self-compassion in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Purpose: Diabetes distress is common in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Kindness to oneself may have positive effects on diabetes distress and glycemic control, but existing data supporting this theory are limited. This study examined the effects of a self-compassion intervention, remotely delivered, in adolescents and young adults with T1D. Methods: Thirty-four participants, aged 18–30 years, were randomized to receive and complete a self-compassion intervention (n=16) or placed in a waitlist control group (n=17). The self-compassion group participated in 6 (12 hours over 12 weeks) virtual group meetings. After 12 weeks, the control group was offered the same intervention program. Then, diabetes distress (primary outcome), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), diabetes self-efficacy, self-compassion, depressive symptoms, stress, and self-reported sleep quality (secondary outcomes) were collected at baseline and 12 and 24 weeks. Results: The mean±standard deviation age was 23.6±3.6 years, and 22 participants (64.7%) were female. At 12 weeks, there was no significant difference in diabetes distress between the 2 groups (P=0.876). However, the intervention group experienced a significant reduction in HbA1c compared to the control group (mean difference [MD],-0.51%; 95% confidence interval [CI], [-0.97 to-0.04]; P=0.035). Other secondary outcomes did not differ between the groups. At 24 weeks, compared to 12 weeks, the intervention group maintained their HbA1c reduction (7.33% [1.00] vs. 7.49% [0.95]; MD, 0.16; 95% CI, [-0.04 to 0.36]; P=0.118), while the waitlist control group showed an HbA1c reduction after receiving the intervention (8.34% [1.96] vs. 7.76% [1.46]; MD,-0.58%; 95% CI, [-0.95 to-0.20]; P=0.005). Conclusion: A brief, online self-compassion intervention resulted in significantly improved glycemic control, although it did not reduce diabetes distress, in adolescents and young adults with T1D.