An online positive affect skills intervention reduces depression in adults with type 2 diabetes

Michael A. Cohn*, Martha E. Pietrucha, Laura R. Saslow, Jen R. Hult, Judith T. Moskowitz

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

118 Scopus citations

Abstract

Positive affect predicts improved glycemic control and longevity in adults with type 2 diabetes. We tested Developing Affective HeaLth to Improve Adherence (DAHLIA), a self-paced online intervention for type 2 diabetes that teaches positive affect skills such as savoring, gratitude, and acts of kindness. Participants (n = 49) were randomized to the five-week DAHLIA course or an emotion-reporting wait-list control. DAHLIA was understood and accepted by participants and showed good retention (78%). At post-intervention, DAHLIA participants showed a significantly greater decrease in depression than controls (−4.3 vs. +0.6 points on the CES-D, p = 0.05). Secondary analyses found that this effect was considerably stronger in intervention recipients recruited online than those recruited in person. Intervention recipients recruited online also showed significantly increased positive affect, reduced negative affect, and reduced perceived stress. There were no effects on measures of diabetes-specific efficacy or sense of burden, or preliminary measures of health behaviors. This successful feasibility and efficacy trial provides support for a larger trial focusing more specifically on health behavior.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)523-534
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Positive Psychology
Volume9
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2 2014

Funding

This publication was supported by (1) NIMH K24 5K24MH093225-02 and (2) the National Center for Research Resources and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, through UCSF-CTSI [grant number UL1 RR024131]. The sponsors had no role in the conduct of the research, analysis, or preparation of the manuscript.

Keywords

  • emotion
  • health
  • intervention
  • online

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology

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