The Effectiveness of Unified Protocols for Transdiagnostic Treatment on Detective Thinking and Reflective Functioning of Children with Type 1 Diabetes.

Abstract

Background: This study aims to explore the efficacy of unified protocols for a transdiagnostic treatment approach in enhancing detective thinking and reflective functioning in children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved pre- and post-tests with two experimental groups and one control group, followed by a 2-month follow-up period. Participants, T1D children aged 8-12 years old, were recruited from specialized pediatric clinics. They were randomly assigned to either experimental or control groups. The experimental group underwent a 10-session unified protocol for transdiagnostic treatment intervention, each lasting 60 minutes, with an additional 30-minute session involving mothers, conducted weekly. The control group did not receive any intervention during this period and remained on a waiting list. After completing the treatment sessions, both groups completed research questionnaires assessing detective thinking and reflective functioning in the post-test phase for comparison.

Results: The study included 30 children with T1D across two groups. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed that unified protocols for transdiagnostic treatment significantly enhanced detective thinking and reflective functioning in children with T1D (P < 0.05). The effects of the treatment persisted during the follow-up phase (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: Integrated transdiagnostic therapy demonstrated effectiveness in improving detective thinking and reflective functioning in children diagnosed with T1D. Notably, these positive effects were sustained beyond the intervention period, indicating the treatment's potential as an efficient intervention strategy to enhance the psychological well-being of children with T1D.