Positive Psychological Factors, Abdominal Pain and Other Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms in Emerging Adults
Year: 2014
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The purpose of the current study was to better understand how positive psychological factors relate to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms and related symptoms in emerging adults. In a university setting, 67 individuals aged 18 to 22 (M = 18.93, SD = 1.10) completed a questionnaire online. Results did not provide statistical support for a positive psychological model through which positive psychological variables relate to IBS symptoms in a non-clinical sample of emerging adults. 52% (n = 37) reported experiencing abdominal pain and thus completed additional measures related to that pain. Some important associations with well-being emerged. Higher levels of optimism significantly related to lower “worst” pain intensity ratings in people who endorsed experiencing abdominal pain. Additionally, lower levels of pain selfefficacy significantly associated with increased pain-related disability. Results provide promising effect sizes between positive psychological variables with IBS symptoms, pain-related disability, and pain intensity given the sample size.
Author: Rachel C. Tomlinson
Language: English
Subfield: Gastroenterology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2607327274