Mindfulness and Intolerance of Uncertainty: Pathways to Diabetes Self-Care Management through Perceived Social Support

Farangis  Demehri; Safiyeh  Jafari

doi:10.18502/ijdl.v26i2.21923

Farangis Demehri Psychology Department, Science and Arts University, Yazd, Iran
Safiyeh Jafari Psychology Department, Science and Arts University, Yazd, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijdl.v26i2.21923

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, Self-Care, Intolerance of uncertainty, Mindfulness, Perceived social support

Abstract

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) Poses a Global Health Challenge, Requiring Effective Self-Care Management and Active Patient Engagement. Self-Care in Diabetes Management Is a Critical Determinant of Successful Outcomes. This Study Aimed to Predict Diabetes Management Self-Care Based on Intolerance of Uncertainty and Mindfulness, with Perceived Social Support as a Mediator, in Patients with T2DM.
Methods: This descriptive-correlational study utilized structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population consisted of patients referred to the Yazd Diabetes Association in the first half of 2024. A sample of 350 participants was selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (Carleton et al., 2007), the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (Brown & Ryan, 2003), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Zimet et al., 1988), and the Type 2 Diabetes Self-Care Questionnaire (Neamatizadeh et al., 2022). Data analysis was performed using SPSS-24 and AMOS software.
Results: The findings revealed that mindfulness had a significant direct (β= 0.343, p< 0.001) and indirect effect, mediated by perceived social support (β= 0.133, p< 0.001), on diabetes management Self-Care. Intolerance of uncertainty had a significant direct and negative effect on Self-Care (β= -0.191, p= 0.025); however, the mediating role of perceived social support in this relationship was not confirmed. The model fit indices (CFI= 0.97, RMSEA= 0.07) indicated a good fit of the proposed model.
Conclusion: The results suggest that mindfulness enhances Self-Care in diabetes management both directly and indirectly by boosting perceived social support. Conversely, intolerance of uncertainty acts as a direct barrier to Self-Care. Therefore, developing educational interventions focused on enhancing mindfulness and reducing intolerance of uncertainty could improve Self-Care management and lead to better glycemic control in patients with T2DM.