Exploring the Feasibility and Acceptability of Compassion and Mindfulness Training for Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes and Their Caregivers

Abstract

AIM: To examine the feasibility and acceptability of mindfulness training for adolescents with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and compassion training for caregivers. METHODS: Adolescents aged 12-17 years with T1D, and their caregivers were recruited from two diabetes centres between 2022 and 2023 to participate in an eight-week, online, open-label course (Mindfulness training for adolescents; compassion training for parents). Patient-reported outcomes, glycaemic outcomes and stress measures were collected during pre-specified in-clinic visits. The changes over the course of the study were assessed descriptively. RESULTS: Thirteen adolescents (age 13.6 ± 1.2 years; 62% female) and 30 caregivers (age 46.8 ± 4.7 years; 65% female; 83% with medium- or long-term education) were enrolled; nine adolescents and 21 parents completed this feasibility study. Interventions were delivered in two rounds. After introducing a face-to-face pre-meeting before the second round, adherence and retention improved, particularly among adolescents. Completers reported positive experiences and showed improvements in diabetes distress (PAID) and well-being (WHO-5). Qualitative findings suggested that increased parental calmness and kindness reduced parent-adolescent conflicts, and parents valued peer support and community. CONCLUSION: Compassion and mindfulness training appear feasible and may support mental well-being in families with T1D; however, broader reach requires integration into routine clinical care.