Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences Journal of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences 2717-0071 28 2 2026 07 29 Examining the Correlation Between Cognitive Emotion Regulation and the Mediating Role of Self-Care on Quality of Life in Patients with Diabulimia 74 82 10.34172/jsums.1127 EN Sara Jahandarpour https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2274-142X Moolod Keykhosravani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0388-4265 Ali Pouladi Rishehri https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4902-6343 Vahid Rafiee Dehbidi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2752-5566 Journal Article 10.34172/jsums.1127 2025 11 17 2026 02 07 Introduction: Diabulimia, characterized by the intentional omission of insulin to prevent weight gain, is associated with serious physical and psychological complications. This study examined the correlations between cognitive emotion regulation strategies and quality of life, with self-care as a mediating variable, among patients with diabulimia. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 161 patients with diabulimia attending diabetes clinics in Shiraz between July and October 2025 were recruited using convenience sampling. Participants completed the CERQ, DSQ, and WHO-QOL-BREF questionnaires. Data were analyzed using correlation analysis and partial least squares structural equation modeling, with no causal inference. Results: Self-care showed a significant positive correlation with quality of life (β = 0.380, P < 0.001). Acceptance demonstrated a negative indirect association with quality of life through self-care (β = –0.098, P = 0.011), while positive refocus indicated a positive indirect association (β = 0.115, P = 0.001). Rumination and blaming others exhibited negative indirect associations with quality of life (β = –0.191, P = 0.001; β = –0.110, P = 0.004, respectively). Conclusion: The findings indicate significant associations between cognitive emotion regulation strategies, self-care behaviors, and quality of life in patients with diabulimia. These results highlight the importance of addressing emotional regulation patterns alongside self-care behaviors in clinical practice. However, causal interpretations should be avoided due to the cross-sectional design.