Exploring Positive Psychology of Children with Type 1 Diabetes Focusing on Subjective Happiness and Satisfaction with Life

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the subjective happiness and satisfaction with life of children with type 1 diabetes and explore related factors. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used and the study was conducted with children at a diabetes camp. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire to explore positive and negative psychological factors. The questionnaire included Subjective Happiness Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Perceived Stress Scale and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and General Self-Efficacy Scale. RESULTS: Data from 15 children were used for data analysis. The correlational analysis results showed that subjective happiness was positively correlated satisfaction with life, social support, and self-efficacy, and was negatively correlated with perceived stress. Satisfaction with life was positively correlated social support, and was negatively correlated with perceived stress. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that the positive psychology factors were closely related with social support and self-efficacy and may alleviate perceived stress and depressive feelings. Therefore, researchers and clinicians should include positive psychological factors in their health management model for children with chronic illness.