How Do Social Comparison and Self-efficacy Influence Diabetic Patients’ Motivation Toward a Nutrition Regimen?

Abstract

Social comparisons are useful for patients with chronic illness giving them a reliable information about others dealing with same illness. Patients with chronic illness may benefit from social comparisons. Learning about how others with the same disease manage self-care behavior can lessen uncertainty and anxiety about their health. Effects of social comparisons are subject to contexts. However, social comparison is relatively less understood in the context of diabetes patients. Considering the importance of nutrition regimen as a prime concern for diabetes patients, the current study examined how social comparisons along with self-efficacy influence motivation toward nutrition regimen. Results indicated that the combination of social comparisons and self-efficacy did not necessarily predict motivation for following nutrition regimen for diabetic patients. On the other hand, perceived self-efficacy on diabetes management was associated with motivation toward nutrition regimen. The findings suggest that health campaigns or nutrition education invoking self-efficacy rather than focusing on comparisons information would be more beneficial to diabetic patients who want to follow a nutrition regimen.