The Effect of Social Support on Self-Care Activities and Emotional Distress Among Diabetic Patients

Abstract

The study examined how social support affected self-care activities and emotional distress among 200 purposively selected diabetic patients. The Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Zimet et al., 1988), Diabetes Distress Scale (Polonsky et al., 2005), and Mindful Self-Care Scale (Cook-Cottone & Guyler, 2024) were operationalised and quantified to measure the study's dimensions. Pearson correlation revealed a significant positive correlation between social support and self-care activities, and a negative correlation between social support and emotional distress. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that perceived social support and its factors, i.e., Significant Others, Family, and Friends, were non-significant predictors of emotional distress and self-care activities. The present study's limitations, suggestions, and practical ramifications have also been discussed.