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Positive Psychology Interventions for Improving Self-management Behaviors in Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: a Narrative Review of Current Evidence

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Interests have been emerging in using positive psychology interventions (PPIs) to improve diabetes self-management (DSM) behaviors (e.g., blood glucose monitoring, physical activity). To explore the impact of those interventions on DSM behaviors, we summarized the evidence of PPIs on self-management behaviors among both type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients between 2012 and 2022.

Recent Findings

Among the eight studies identified, different study designs and types of PPIs were apparent. Typical PPIs (e.g., activities enhancing positive affect/gratitude/self-affirmation/optimism) were usually applied to T1D patients (N = 5); PPIs were usually combined with motivational interviewing for T2D patients (N = 3). Contrary to expectations, PPIs did not consistently demonstrate positive effects on self-management behaviors’ change regardless of the types of diabetes patients, compared to the control groups.

Summary

Improvements in diabetes patients’ self-management behaviors from PPIs are still unclear. Future studies should more rigorously evaluate and identify the active ingredients of PPIs for behavioral changes among diabetes patients.

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  1. JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Room 508, Postgraduate Education Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

    Lihua Pan & Nelson C. Y. Yeung

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Pan, L., Yeung, N.C.Y. Positive Psychology Interventions for Improving Self-management Behaviors in Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: a Narrative Review of Current Evidence. Curr Diab Rep 23, 329–345 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-023-01525-z

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