Dispositional Gratitude and Psychosocial and Glycemic Outcomes in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this secondary data analysis is to examine associations among dispositional gratitude and psychosocial and glycemic outcomes in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1DM).

Methods

This is a secondary data analysis using baseline data from a pilot study examining the efficacy of a mindfulness-based stress reduction mHealth application in adolescents with T1DM. A total of 31 participants who were between the ages of 12 to 19 years old, had diabetes for at least 6 months, were able to speak and read English, and had access to a mobile phone were included in the analysis. Correlations among dispositional gratitude, anxiety symptoms, A1C, insomnia, and diabetes self-care were evaluated.

Results

Dispositional gratitude was negatively correlated with anxiety symptoms, A1C, and insomnia. Dispositional gratitude was positively correlated with diabetes self-care.

Conclusions

Higher dispositional gratitude was associated with lower anxiety symptoms, better glycemic control, better sleep, and better diabetes self-care. The practice of gratitude may be a modifiable factor that can reduce anxiety symptoms and, in turn, optimize glycemic outcomes in this vulnerable population.