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This article presents two studies about trait emotional intelligence (EI) and diabetes. The first study investigated whether the level of trait EI of people with diabetes differs from the non-diabetes population. The second study explored the impact of trait EI on diabetes-related distress and diabetes self-management behaviors. Methods In study 1, an existing database of 8532 members of a health insurance fund was analyzed through group comparisons to investigate whether the level of trait EI of people suffering from diabetes differs from the non-diabetes people sharing the same gender, age, education level and BMI. Study 2 consisted of a survey among 146 persons with diabetes to investigate the relations between trait EI, distress and diabetes self-management behaviors through regressions and mediation analyses. Results People suffering from diabetes had significantly lower levels of trait EI than controls, but this difference was essentially due to differences in gender, age, educational level and BMI. However, trait EI influenced diabetes self-management behaviors. This relationship was mediated by diabetes-related distress, which proved to be a better predictor of self-management behaviors than depression or anxiety. Conclusion These findings suggest that enhancing trait EI can be an appropriate way to reduce the distress associated with diabetes management and the risk of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: As diabetes requires extensive self-care, self-management education is widely recommended to enhance the effectiveness and reduce the costs of treatment. While a variety of diabetes self-management (DSM) programs are available, the conditions for their effective implementation are not well documented. This paper reviews the literature on implementation fidelity (IF), the degree to which programs are delivered as intended, as a factor influencing the effectiveness of diabetes education. Methods: Medical, psychological and educational research databases were searched to identify published studies on diabetes education describing the implementation process. Studies detailing the intervention adherence/fidelity/integrity were included to assess the way key elements of IF were addressed. Results: From an initial 418 abstracts, 20 published papers were retained for an in-depth analysis focusing on the components of IF. Intervention content was mainly assessed through observation, whereas intervention dose was more often assessed through self-report measures. Only one study addressed the relationship between IF and intervention effectiveness. Conclusion: Despite the importance of IF to achieve program outcomes, IF of DSM programs remains largely under-investigated. Practice implications: The results of this review suggest that reports on DSM education should systematically describe how the program was implemented. The impact of IF on program outcomes needs further investigation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]