A1 Journal article (refereed)
Acceptance and commitment therapy group intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes : A randomized controlled trial (2022)


Alho, I., Lappalainen, P., Muotka, J., & Lappalainen, R. (2022). Acceptance and commitment therapy group intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes : A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 25, 153-161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2022.08.002


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editors: Alho, Iina; Lappalainen, Päivi; Muotka, Joona; Lappalainen, Raimo

Journal or series: Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science

ISSN: 2212-1447

eISSN: 2212-1455

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 10/08/2022

Volume: 25

Pages range: 153-161

Publisher: Elsevier

Publication country: Netherlands

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2022.08.002

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access:


Abstract

Type 1 diabetes can be a challenging disorder to manage, and it needs a significant amount of self-care and daily management. Management tends to deteriorate during adolescence due to both physiological and psychological factors. This study aimed to investigate the use of methods based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for the purpose of increasing well-being, psychological flexibility, and motivation regarding treatment among adolescents whose glycosylated hemoglobin was above the recommended value. This study is one of the first to examine the impact of an ACT-intervention on glycemic control.

In this pilot study, we developed an ACT-based group intervention and invited 12–16-year-old adolescents at a pediatric diabetes outpatient clinic to join the study. Participants demonstrating difficulty managing their diabetes were randomized into either the ACT+Treatment-as-usual group (ACT+TAU, n = 36) or the TAU only group (n = 36). The intervention participants were offered a five-session ACT-based group intervention. The program consisted of structured group sessions held every two weeks and voluntary homework. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were monitored for both groups as well as diabetes-related psychological flexibility, acceptance and mindfulness skills, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and quality of life. The questionnaires were completed at the start and end of the program, and the HbA1c values were collected from the medical records.

Compared to the TAU group, the ACT+TAU group showed significantly larger changes in glycemic control (between-group Cohen's d = 0.59), diabetes-related psychological flexibility (d = 0.29), and symptoms of anxiety (d = 0.48). There was no significant effect on depression, mindfulness and acceptance skills, or quality of life. All the adolescents reported being satisfied with the group, and 97% were willing to recommend it to others.

Based on these initial findings, the acceptance-, mindfulness-, and value-based model seems to be suitable for adolescents with type 1 diabetes who have difficulty controlling their chronic illness. Adding a psychological group-based intervention to standard (TAU) diabetes care for adolescents could increase treatment compliance.


Keywords: diabetes; young people; juvenile diabetes; acceptance (psychology); acceptance and commitment therapy; mindfulness; treatment methods; self-care; well-being

Free keywords: acceptance and commitment therapy; type 1 diabetes


Contributing organizations


Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1


Last updated on 2022-08-12 at 00:23