ACT and be READY: Evaluation of an ACT-based resilience training program delivered to people with diabetes

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic physical condition with substantial co-morbidities and a demanding treatment regime. Individuals with diabetes experience reduced quality of life (QoL) – a correlate of poorer psychological and physical health outcomes. While increased resilience correlates with many psychosocial improvements in individuals, little research has examined intervention methods to increase resilience and QoL in a diabetes context. The present study evaluated an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based group resilience training program that was delivered to people with diabetes. The primary outcome was resilience. The secondary outcomes were QoL (general QoL, diabetes-related QoL [DQoL], and diabetes-related distress) and mood. The resilience protective factors were: positive affect, coping, social connectedness, cognitive flexibility (mindfulness and acceptance), valued living, and physical activity (total physical activity time, daily step counts, and sitting time). It was predicted that participants would significantly improve on the primary and secondary outcomes and the resilience protective factors. The study used a pre-post group (N = 20) intervention design with three-month follow up. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected via questionnaires pre-intervention (n = 20), post-intervention (n = 20), and at three months’ follow up (n = 11). The study used the READY (Resilience for Everyday) Program (Burton et al., 2010), a module-based adult resilie…