The Moderating Effects of Mindfulness Practices and Psychological Adaptation on the Relationship Between Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptom Severity and Anxiety, Depression, and Life Satisfaction

摘要

Literature indicates that anxiety and depression rates among the IBD population are much higher than the general population and disease activity is predictive of emotional effects. The present study hypothesized that participants who experienced more severe IBD symptoms would report more anxiety, more depression, and less life satisfaction; and that mindfulness practices and psychological adaptation would moderate the relationship between IBD and the dependent variables such that individuals who more frequently utilized the moderators would experience less anxiety and depression and more life satisfaction. The study sample included 98 participants, aged 18 to 80, who were recruited via multiple modes within the IBD community. Data were collected using an online survey comprised of six measures. IBD symptom severity was significantly and positively correlated with anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction. Positive and negative emotional regulation mindfulness practices significantly moderated the negative impact of IBD symptom severity on life satisfaction. Psychological adaptation analyses were not significant. Implications suggest that mindfulness practices may help individuals buffer the impact of IBD symptoms on life satisfaction, especially at higher levels of IBD symptom severity. Mental health providers may be poised to impact the disease burden placed upon individuals with IBD. Partnerships formed between GI and mental health specialties may provide an encouraging opportunity for treatment of IBD patients, potentially providing hope in what can appear to be a hopeless diagnosis.