Date

12-16-2025

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Rachel L Piferi

Keywords

Faith-based meditation, Meditation, Type 2 diabetes, Spiritual practices, Stress reduction, Emotional well-being, Holistic health care

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of my study was to investigate how faith-based guided meditation influences health management behaviors and individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Specifically, I examined its effects on glycemic control, stress levels, and emotional well-being. Current diabetes management approaches, such as medication, diet, and exercise, often fail to address psychological and spiritual aspects critical for effective self-management. Grounded in the Biopsychosocial Model of Health, this mixed-method study explored the potential of faith-centered meditation to promote improved self-care behaviors and enhance emotional resilience. The research included a sample size of 40 participants, male and female, ages 18-60, of diverse backgrounds, divided equally between an intervention group practicing faith-based guided meditation and a control group receiving standard diabetes care for a period of three weeks. The group outcomes were measured using validated scales for stress, emotional well-being, and spiritual engagement, alongside participants’ self-monitored blood glucose logs. My study addressed a critical gap by empirically demonstrating that participants who engaged in a structured, faith-based guided meditation protocol exhibited statistically significant improvements in glycemic regulation and reduced stress levels compared to the control group, supporting the integration of spiritual practices into holistic Type 2 diabetes management.

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