Improving emotional well-being and happiness for outpatients with diabetes

A Novel Psychological-behavioral Intervention to Promote Physical Activity in Type 2 Diabetes

Not applicable Interventional Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT05420051

This study is testing if an 8-week program that combines positive psychology and motivational support, along with regular text messages, can help people with type 2 diabetes feel happier and more active.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment280 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT05420051 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study tests the effectiveness of an 8-week positive psychology and motivational interviewing intervention, supplemented by twice-weekly text messages over 16 weeks, for individuals with type 2 diabetes who have low physical activity levels. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or a control group receiving motivational interviewing alone. The study aims to evaluate the impact of this intervention on physical activity, psychological well-being, diabetes self-care, and overall health outcomes. Participants will wear accelerometers to monitor their physical activity and complete various psychological assessments throughout the study.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who engage in less than 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive deficits, severe depression, or other medical conditions that prevent participation in physical activity may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance emotional well-being and increase physical activity among patients with type 2 diabetes, leading to improved health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using motivational interviewing and positive psychology approaches, suggesting potential for success in this intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes
* Low physical activity (\<150 minutes/week of moderate to vigorous physical activity)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cognitive deficits impeding a participant's ability to provide informed consent or participate
* Medical conditions likely to lead to death within 6 months.
* Pre-existing coronary artery disease
* Moderate-severe depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 \[PHQ-9\] score ≥15)
* Use of non-basal insulin
* Inability to participate in physical activity due to another medical condition
* Inability to receive text messages
* Inability to read, write, or speak in English
* Current participation in another intervention or program that has been designed to promote well-being or physical activity

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.