The impact of a web-based self-management programme on the psychological well-being of adults with type 2 diabetes

Psychological distress in people living with type 2 diabetes is associated with lowered glycaemic control and an increased risk of serious health complications. Therefore, interventions capable of improving the psychological well-being of people with diabetes may also positively affect physical health and quality of life. This thesis explores the impact of diabetes interventions on psychological well-being. Part one is a literature review of the efficacy of interventions at reducing diabetes-related distress. Twenty papers were included in the review and three types of intervention were identified: self-management, educational and psychological. Five self-management interventions and two psychological interventions showed a reduction in diabetes-related distress compared to the control group, indicating that the interventions were capable of improving psychological well-being. Part two is an empirical study of the impact of a web-based, self-management programme, called HeLP-Diabetes, on the psychological well-being of adults with type 2 diabetes. This study used a mixed method, quantitative and qualitative design with 18 participants. The qualitative data suggested that the participants felt some important psychological benefits from using the programme, although the quantitative data did not show any significant findings. Finally, part three is a critical appraisal of the research process. In particular, it examines how the researcher’s background and experiences affected the study approach. Methodological issues, such as the decision to use a mixed method design, are expanded upon from the discussion in part two. It concludes with a reflection on the personal impact of the study on the researcher.