Qualitative study on cognitive distortion and negative behavior of patients with diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Patients with DM who have negative perceptions and are overly worried about their disease have poor glycaemic control. If the thought of someone is negative and distorted, they will likely have negative feelings, and then the behavior will be influenced. Aims: This study aimed to determine the negative cognitive and behavioral distortions of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and the relationship between negative distortion and behavior. Settings and Design: This study utilized a qualitative design with a descriptive approach. Methods and Material: Participants included 15 people with diabetes mellitus who were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews for 60-90 minutes. Statistical analysis used: Analyzed using content analysis and thematic analysis with the NVivo 12 plus software. Results: Cognitive distortion consisted of four sub-themes, including denial, catastrophic thinking, labeling, and personalization. Negative behavior comprised two sub-themes, including negative emotions and depressive symptoms. Not all participants who experienced cognitive distortion showed negative behavior. The types of cognitive distortion experienced by patients with DM were catastrophizing, labeling, and personalization, which was often followed by negative behavior.