The Experience of a Guided Self-determination Intervention on Diabetes Distress Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) can cause psychosocial difficulties, burdensome self-care, and stigmatization, which can lead to diabetes distress, reduced quality of life, and suboptimal diabetes management. Guided self-determination (GSD) has been identified as valuable in alleviating diabetes distress. In this study we explored the experience of a GSD intervention among people with T2D and aimed to understand the potential impact on diabetes distress.Methods: A qualitative study was undertaken using semistructured interviews (n=10) and reflexive thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke. The study adhered to the COREQ checklist.Results: Four themes revealed: "Person-centred reflection creates self-insight," becoming aware of how one deals with diabetes and finding renewed optimism; "Unburdening myself," characterized by room and support for psychosocial aspects; "Making sense of diabetes: Creating meaning through reflection and dialogue," reflecting on current difficulties while simultaneously making sense of diabetes; and "Barriers to changes: Between acceptance, effort, and everyday realities," where readiness, motivation, and energy impacted possible changes.Conclusions: GSD may improve the ability to alleviate stressors related to diabetes. However, some patients experienced no changes. Readiness, motivation, and energy appear to be critical for the potential to change.
Keywords: Autodétermination guidée; diabetes distress; diabète de type 2; détresse liée au diabète; guided self-determination; qualitative research; recherche qualitative; type 2 diabetes.