Psychological well-being and adjustment among type 2 diabetes patients: the role of psychological flexibility

Elevated rates of psychological disorders are reported among those with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Thus, research into factors enhancing psychological aspects of well-being is critical in T2D. We examine the association between a multifaceted measure of Psychological Flexibility (PF), and its relationship to adjustment and well-being, among this population. Adults with T2D (N = 102) completed an online battery of self-reported questionnaires and were asked for demographics, general T2D features, treatment adherence, PF, adjustment, and well-being. We examined the association between PF (Psychological Flexibility Questionnaire, PFQ), adjustment to diabetes (ATT-39) and well-being (Mental Health Inventory), among adults with T2D. Greater PF was significantly associated with greater well-being, but unrelated to adjustment, which was positively associated with well-being. In a hierarchical regression analysis, perception of change as positive (one of the five PFQ factors) significantly contributed to the explained variance in well-being, beyond the contribution of adjustment. These findings indicate that positive perception of change may enhance well-being independently from adjustment to diabetes since these two constructs are distinct and independent. Such an association between PF and well-being may apply to other medical conditions. Implications for psychological intervention are discussed.