Self-Compassion in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Can Mitigate the Destructive Effects of Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1C) on Psychological Outcomes

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

2 Department of Psychology, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran

3 Department of Psychology, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

10.34172/jhad.1183

Abstract

Background: This study examined the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationships among Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, psychological well-being, and self-care behaviors in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: A sample of 368 individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes residing in northern Iran. Participants were recruited through purposive and consecutive sampling. Data collection involved administering validated psychometric instruments, including the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA), the Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-Being (RSPWB), and the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF). HbA1c levels were measured within past 3 months. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with AMOS-24. Bootstrapping analysis using the MACRO program was employed to examine the mediating relationships.
Results: HbA1c levels were significantly and negatively correlated with self-compassion (r = -0.740), psychological well-being (r = -0.658), and self-care behaviors (r = -0.608) (P < 0.01). Self-compassion exhibited a significant positive relationship with psychological well-being (r = 0.760) and self-care behaviors (r = 0.657) (P < 0.01). Following the implementation of model modifications, the structural model demonstrated an adequate fit with the data (χ²/df = 2.980, GFI = 0.921, IFI = 0.956, PCFI = 0.661, CFI = 0.955, PNFI = 0.648, RMSEA = 0.078). The bootstrap analysis indicated that self-compassion significantly mediated the relationship between HbA1c levels and both psychological well-being (P < 0.001) and self-care behaviors (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Self-compassion may function as a protective factor, mitigating the negative impact of elevated HbA1c levels on psychological well-being and self-care behaviors among individuals with diabetes. Healthcare professionals involved in diabetes management can leverage the moderating role of self-compassion in HbA1c levels, thereby enhancing patients’ psychological well-being and promoting self-care behaviors.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Health and Development Journal
Volume 14, Issue 1
May 2025
Pages 1-9

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History

  • Receive Date: 27 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 13 December 2025
  • Accept Date: 20 December 2025

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