Effectiveness of Cognitive Self-Compassion Training on Perceived Stress and Depression in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Introduction: Due to the chronic nature of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its potential to induce stress and depression, exploring interventions like cognitive self-compassion training to improve mental well-being in this population is crucial. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of cognitive self-compassion training on perceived stress and depression in patients with T2D. Materials Methods: The present study was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. The statistical population of this study included all patients with T2D employed in the education sector of Mashhad in 2023. Thus, a sample of 24 (12 per group) was selected using the convenience sampling method and considering the study’s inclusion criteria, and were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups. The participants completed the Perceived Stress and Depression Beck questionnaires in the pretest and posttest stages, and the experimental group underwent cognitive self-compassion training for ten 90-minute sessions. Data analysis was performed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results: The findings revealed a significant reduction in both perceived stress and depression scores in the posttest stage for the group receiving cognitive self-compassion training compared to the control group (P 0.001). Conclusion: Cognitive self-compassion training effectively reduced perceived stress and depression in patients with T2DM, suggesting it as a valuable tool for improving psychological well-being and overall quality of life.