Promoting growth mindsets: a new pathway to supporting individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are more likely to exhibit lower growth mindsets and less self-efficacy towards their blood glucose compared to those without T2D, according to a recent study by researchers at IPUR and the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore.

Growth mindsets are beliefs or “frames of mind” that a specific attribute or condition can be developed or changed with effort and by responding constructively to challenges. Self-efficacy pertains to individuals’ beliefs about their ability to perform specific behaviours.

The study, titled “Mindsets and self-efficacy beliefs among individuals with type 2 diabetes”, was conducted between April and November 2021 and presents a new understanding to how patients’ beliefs may influence motivation and behaviour to profoundly improve diabetes care and health outcomes.

More than 400,000 people in Singapore live with diabetes, with the number projected to rise to 1 million by 2050. There has also been a rise in patients under the age of 40 due to unhealthy lifestyle habits and early screening.

Dr Carolyn Lo, Research Fellow and lead author of the study said, “By targeting attitudes that hinder self-management and self-care behaviours, we can instil in patients a belief that their condition is malleable, and that setbacks should be viewed as opportunities for growth. We want to show that addressing a patient’s mindset towards diabetes and promoting self-management efficacy can reduce psychological barriers that hinder necessary lifestyle modifications and medication adherence.”

Other key highlights of the study include:

• Lower growth mindsets and self-efficacy beliefs about general health or blood glucose are associated with elevated HbA1c levels, suggesting a link between these beliefs and disease management.
• Identifying these belief barriers offers insights for targeted interventions; improving growth mindset and self-efficacy beliefs related to blood glucose management could enhance self-care behaviours and health outcomes.
• Healthcare providers may play a major role in influencing patients’ perspectives and intentions.

Research suggests that people’s health-related behaviours are often influenced by their beliefs and expectations. This may be particularly true for fixed versus growth mindsets and self-efficacy beliefs in contexts fraught with challenges. However, there has been little research on this pertaining to diabetes. This study brings to light the potential benefits of advocating growth mindsets among individuals with T2D, which could prove a crucial precursor to improved diabetes management.

Access the full paper here.