The impact of social comparison information on motivation in patients with diabetes as a function of regulatory focus and self-efficacy.
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to determine whether the impact of upward and downward social comparison information on individuals' motivation to manage their diabetes is dependent on their regulatory focus (promotion or prevention focus) and self-efficacy.


METHODS
The hypotheses were examined in a cross-sectional study. Patients with diabetes (N = 234) read a fictitious interview with a fellow patient, either an upward or a downward target, and they filled out questionnaires.


METHODS
Motivation to work on diabetes regulation.


RESULTS
High promotion-focused patients reported more motivation than low promotion-focused patients when confronted with the upward target (positive role model). High prevention-focused patients reported more motivation than low prevention-focused patients when confronted with the downward target (negative role model). This latter finding was qualified by patients' self-efficacy, as it applied only to patients with relatively high levels of self-efficacy.


CONCLUSIONS
The current study highlights the importance of considering individual differences when using role models to encourage self-care activities in persons with diabetes.
Schokker
Marike C
MC
Health Psychology Section, Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands. m.c.schokker@rug.nl
Keers
Joost C
JC
Bouma
Jelte
J
Links
Thera P
TP
Sanderman
Robbert
R
Wolffenbuttel
Bruce H R
BH
Hagedoorn
Mariët
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D012648:Self Care; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012927:Social Control, Informal; D012938:Social Perception; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult