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The relationship between perceived executive function and self-reported self-management behaviour in adults with type 1 diabetes

The relationship between perceived executive function and self-reported self-management behaviour in adults with type 1 diabetes
The relationship between perceived executive function and self-reported self-management behaviour in adults with type 1 diabetes

This mixed-method study examined whether and how perceived executive function (EF) is linked to self-reported self-management in 173 people diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) during adulthood, combining a cross-sectional survey with thematic analysis of 11 interviews. Stronger global EF significantly predicted better self-management (B = −0.04, t(165) = 4.15; p < 0.001) after controlling for demographic factors. Stronger perceptions of EF correlated with better self-reported adherence to dietary behaviour, glucose monitoring and physical activity, but not medication-taking or cooperation with healthcare teams. Qualitative interviews identified key challenges in self-management requiring stronger EF including planning behaviours, maintaining attention and vigilance over time and responding flexibly to changing demands. Strategies which reduce demands on EF, such as establishing routines and delegating control of tasks, helped to improve self-management. Adults with perceived EF impairments may struggle to effectively manage T1D, suggesting supportive interventions should aim to reduce the cognitive demands of self-management.

adults, chronic illness, diabetes, executive function, self-management
1461-7277
429-445
Shanley, Lynne
d2bfb5e4-f906-4d1b-bc2d-e192e16d452c
Powell, Daniel
e1e53a46-a37b-425b-ac15-e82f99033f46
Allan, Julia
0a1de00d-dfa3-4239-84e9-2e14c1c6aa29
Shanley, Lynne
d2bfb5e4-f906-4d1b-bc2d-e192e16d452c
Powell, Daniel
e1e53a46-a37b-425b-ac15-e82f99033f46
Allan, Julia
0a1de00d-dfa3-4239-84e9-2e14c1c6aa29

Shanley, Lynne, Powell, Daniel and Allan, Julia (2026) The relationship between perceived executive function and self-reported self-management behaviour in adults with type 1 diabetes. Journal of Health Psychology, 31 (1), 429-445. (doi:10.1177/13591053251341787).

Record type: Article

Abstract

This mixed-method study examined whether and how perceived executive function (EF) is linked to self-reported self-management in 173 people diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) during adulthood, combining a cross-sectional survey with thematic analysis of 11 interviews. Stronger global EF significantly predicted better self-management (B = −0.04, t(165) = 4.15; p < 0.001) after controlling for demographic factors. Stronger perceptions of EF correlated with better self-reported adherence to dietary behaviour, glucose monitoring and physical activity, but not medication-taking or cooperation with healthcare teams. Qualitative interviews identified key challenges in self-management requiring stronger EF including planning behaviours, maintaining attention and vigilance over time and responding flexibly to changing demands. Strategies which reduce demands on EF, such as establishing routines and delegating control of tasks, helped to improve self-management. Adults with perceived EF impairments may struggle to effectively manage T1D, suggesting supportive interventions should aim to reduce the cognitive demands of self-management.

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e-pub ahead of print date: 25 June 2025
Published date: January 2026
Keywords: adults, chronic illness, diabetes, executive function, self-management

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 511419
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/511419
ISSN: 1461-7277
PURE UUID: 9ca9fa3f-596d-46bf-8935-da200bd56744
ORCID for Daniel Powell: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0003-4995-6057

Catalogue record

Date deposited: 14 May 2026 16:35
Last modified: 15 May 2026 02:15

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Contributors

Author: Lynne Shanley
Author: Daniel Powell ORCID iD
Author: Julia Allan

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