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Teaching Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Self-Compassion (TADS) to Reduce Diabetes Distress: Protocol for a
Saunya Dover1, Alexandra Ahmet1,2,3, Karen Bluth4
1Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
This study tests a web-based mindful self-compassion intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The program aims to reduce diabetes distress and improve mental health outcomes in young people managing T1D.
Area of Science:
- Psychology and Behavioral Medicine
- Adolescent Health
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) frequently experience diabetes distress (DD), distinct from anxiety or depression.
- Self-compassion, a skill involving self-kindness during suffering, is linked to better outcomes in T1D.
- Mindful self-compassion offers a potential intervention avenue for T1D management in adolescents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a web-based mindful self-compassion for teens (MSC-T) intervention's effectiveness in reducing DD, anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and suicidal ideation in adolescents with T1D.
- To explore the intervention's impact over time, on glycemic control, and differential effects based on gender.
Main Methods:
- A single-center, parallel-group randomized controlled trial involving 140 adolescents with T1D.
- Participants (aged 12-17) randomly assigned 1:1 to MSC-T or a waitlist control group.
- Primary outcome: DD (PAID-T) at 3 months. Secondary outcomes: anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and suicidal ideation at 3 and 12 months.
Main Results:
- Recruitment of 141 participants completed between October 2022 and March 2023.
- Data collection ongoing until March 2024.
- Initial results are anticipated in June 2024.
Conclusions:
- This is the first randomized trial assessing a web-based MSC-T intervention for adolescents with T1D.
- Equipping adolescents with tools to manage T1D-related stress is crucial as they assume more self-care responsibility.
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