The effects of self-compassion in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes: a pilot randomized controlled trial

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.