Illness cognition, coping, and emotion in the management of diabetes: evidence-based interventions for self-regulation

Abstract

[Extract] The increased prevalence rates for diabetes worldwide attest to the important role health psychologists can play in helping those afflicted with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) to manage the condition, and in the prevention and management of noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) through health promotion efforts to reduce obesity and increase physical activity. Self-regulation theory provides a useful guide for understanding motivational factors influencing health-related behaviors, in addition to the interplay of cognition, emotion, and coping in the management of health conditions. This chapter reviews the existing evidence for the role of cognition, coping, and emotion in the management of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It provides an in-depth coverage of the evidence-based efficacy (as measured by diabetes self-management, lifestyle changes, metabolic control, and psychological adjustment) of selected psychological interventions such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) methods to address negative attitudes towards diabetes, psycho-education to change incorrect illness perceptions, stress-management training, and the enhancement of coping and problem solving skills to improve self-efficacy expectations and quality of life.