Psychological Flexibility in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Normal Control Group

Psychological flexibility is a major component of health-related behaviors and refers to ability to get in touch with the present moment as it is, without any psychological defense and in line with the personal values. The purpose of this study was to comparing Psychological flexibility in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and normal control group.
In a case-control study 61 patients with irritable bowel which were referred to gastroenterologist, were selected via convenience sampling and compared with normal control group in psychological flexibility. Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ), Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and Meaningful Live Questionnaire (MLQ) were used as research tools.
Findings: T-test results indicated significant differences between groups in terms of psychological flexibility includes Acceptance (P Discussion & According to this study, patients with irritable bowel syndrome had lower levels of psychological flexibility than normal group and it can effective in initiating or exacerbating their symptoms.