Social support and social-ecological resources as mediators of lifestyle intervention effects for type 2 diabetes

J Health Psychol. 2006 May;11(3):483-95. doi: 10.1177/1359105306063321.

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine if an intervention could change social support and social-ecological resources of post-menopausal women diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and if those changes mediated the intervention's effects on health behaviors and outcomes. Women (N = 279) were randomly assigned to receive a comprehensive 6-month Mediterranean Lifestyle Program (MLP) or usual care from their physicians (UC). MLP was successful in changing social embeddedness and social-ecological resources, but not a measure of perceived support. Changes in social-ecological resources mediated intervention effects on fat consumption, exercise and glycemic control. The experimental manipulation of mediators and the demonstrated mediation effects support the conclusion that social-ecological resources can contribute to improvements in healthful lifestyles for women with type 2 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / psychology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / therapy*
  • Diet, Mediterranean
  • Female
  • Health Resources*
  • Humans
  • Life Style*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mind-Body Therapies / psychology
  • Motor Activity
  • Postmenopause
  • Program Development*
  • Self-Help Groups
  • Social Support*
  • United States