Living with diabetes : the importance of self-regulation, future orientation and cognitive reappraisal for health behaviour and well-being

Abstract Two hundred and twenty-four (response rate 57, 9%) Norwegian adults with diabetes aged 25-55 completed an anonymous, self-administered postal questionnaire consisting of a brief version of the Self-Control Scale, the Self-Discipline Scale, the Future Orientation Scale, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, the Satisfaction With Life Scale, and the practicing of 11 different health behaviours of specific relevance to individuals with diabetes. The present study was conducted to explore: a) the relationship between self-regulatory resources and adherence to recommended health behaviours, b) the relationship between self-regulatory resources and well-being, c) the relationship between cognitive reappraisal and well-being and d) the relationship between the practicing of recommended dietary behaviours and well-being. The results showed the existence of positive bivariate correlations between all self-regulatory measures and adherence to recommended health behaviours, but multiple regression analysis identified self-discipline to be the most important direct predictor of health behaviour. Furthermore, positive correlations were observed between all types of self-regulatory resources and well-being, while self-control and future orientation were identified as the strongest direct predictors of well-being. Interestingly, increased adherence to dietary recommendations directly influenced well-being in a negative way. However, no association was observed between cognitive reappraisal and well-being