Abstract:
This study aimed at understanding the experiences of maintaining good dietary self-care among people with type 2 diabetes
mellitus and the meaning of negative emotions in the context of dietary self-care. Thirteen type 2 diabetes patients from
an Endocrinology and Diabetes Department in the West Midlands region, United Kingdom, were interviewed to explore
experiences of dietary self-care and negative emotions. Transcripts were analyzed using the interpretative phenomenological
analysis approach. Three main themes emerged: (a) dietary self-care: a constant challenge, (b) negative emotions: a cause and
a consequence, and (c) coping with negative emotions and living with “the diet.” Situations involving poor dietary self-care
were identified to understand the context of negative emotions. Perceived dietary restrictions resulted in frustration, anger,
and depression, while maintaining dietary self-care resulted in irritation, annoyance, regret, guilt, anger, and depression. The
consequence of poor dietary self-care was frustration, depression, and anger, which further resulted in poor dietary self-care,
creating a cycle of poor dietary self-care and negative emotions. This reflected the wavering nature of participants’ dietary
maintenance. Coping with these negative emotions and poor dietary self-care involved rationalizing and/or acknowledging
the importance of maintaining good dietary self-care. Findings showed negative emotions are perceived to impact dietary
self-care and diabetes control. Health care providers should incorporate the understanding of experiences of negative
emotions in dietary education and cognitive behavioral interventions should be offered to manage negative emotions.
