Effect of affect regulation training on positive and negative affects in adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Aim of the study Diabetes is characterized by high blood glucose levels caused by insulin production defects, insulin resistance, or both. This condition can lead to psychological and physiological impairments. The present study aims to investigate the effect of emotion regulation training on regulating positive and negative emotions in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Subject or material and methods This study was conducted in 2020 on 40 teenagers with type 1 diabetes, comprising 72.5% girls and 27.5% boys, randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Only the experimental group received emotion regulation training. Both groups completed the questionnaires before the start of the emotion regulation training sessions (pre-test) and at the end of the training sessions (post-test). For data analysis, paired and independent sample T-tests were utilized. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in SPSS version 23. Results The ANCOVA analyses revealed significant differences between the intervention and control groups. The ART group showed a significant reduction in negative emotions and a significant increase in positive emotions in the post-test compared to the pre-test (p < 0.05). Discussion Regulating emotions by weakening or strengthening negative and positive feelings influences various brain areas. These areas, through hormonal regulation, are associated with controlling diabetes and emotions and their accompanying symptoms. Conclusions The results suggest that ART can be considered an effective treatment for stimulating positive emotions and reducing negative emotions in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.