A positive psychology–motivational interviewing intervention for patients with type 2 diabetes: Proof-of-concept trial

Eighteen million Americans with type 2 diabetes (T2D) do not follow recommended guidelines for physical activity. Motivational interviewing (MI) has had modest effects on activity and related behaviors in T2D. Positive psychological attributes (e.g., optimism) are associated with superior medical outcomes in T2D, and positive psychology (PP) interventions promote such attributes. There had been no study in T2D of a combined PP–MI intervention to promote well-being and health behavior adherence. We developed a novel, telephone-delivered, 16-week PP–MI intervention and explored its feasibility and impact in T2D patients in a single-arm, proof-of-concept trial.

Participants completed PP-based exercises and MI-based physical activity goal-setting activities and reviewed these activities weekly with a study trainer for 16 weeks. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed via exercise completion rates and post-exercise ratings of ease/utility (0–10 scales). Impact was explored by examining changes in physical activity (via accelerometers and self-report), other health behaviors, psychological measures, and medical outcomes (e.g., hemoglobin A1c (A1C)) from baseline to 16 weeks, using paired t tests.

Twelve participants enrolled, and 10 provided follow-up data. Seventy-eight percent of PP–MI activities were completed, and participants rated the PP–MI content and sessions as easy (mean = 8.2/10, standard deviation (SD) = 1.9) and useful (mean = 9.1/10, SD = 1.5). PP–MI was associated with improved adherence to health behaviors and overall self-care, variable effects on accelerometer-measured activity and psychological outcomes, and modest beneficial effects on body mass index and A1C.

Further testing of this intervention is warranted in a larger, controlled trial to assess its effects on important health outcomes.