Relationship between Type D personality and adverse health outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes: The parallel mediating roles of diabetes distress and social isolation

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the relationship between Type D personality and adverse health outcomes [glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL)] directly, and indirectly via diabetes distress and social isolation in people with type 2 diabetes. Design: A secondary analysis of 524 participant's data derived from a cross-sectional, correlational study with people with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Data were analysed using the PROCESS macro of SPSS. Results: Type D personality was present in 31.3% of the participants, and exerted a direct effect on HRQOL but not on HbA1c. Type D personality indirectly affected both HbA1c and HRQOL via the mediators of diabetes distress and social isolation. Nurses need to monitor people with type 2 diabetes to determine whether Type D personality is present. Those with Type D personality should be provided with interventions to reduce diabetes distress and alleviate social isolation in order to improve HbA1c and HRQOL.