Abstract
Objectives
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of gut-brain interaction and is associated with psychological distress. Promising support is emerging for mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in IBS; however, mechanistic models of mindfulness are needed for this population. Based on available research, it is hypothesized that mindfulness may promote psychological well-being in IBS by reducing symptom reactivity, and targeting shame and negative thought patterns. This study examined symptom interference and self-compassion in relation to dispositional mindfulness and psychological distress in IBS.
Methods
A cross-sectional design was used, assessing the following in an IBS convenience sample (N = 144; 80.6% women): demographics, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, Self-Compassion Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, IBS symptom frequency, and IBS symptom interference. Statistical analyses included bivariate correlations, tests of two hypothesized statistical mediation models, and an exploratory test of statistical moderation.
Results
Mindfulness significantly correlated with psychological distress, self-compassion, and symptom interference. Symptom interference and self-compassion were significant mediators of the observed relationship between mindfulness and psychological distress. Further, mindfulness significantly moderated the relationship between IBS symptom frequency and interference.
Conclusions
Mindfulness is associated with low symptom interference, high self-compassion, and low distress in IBS. The observed association between mindfulness and low distress is partly related to high self-compassion and low symptom interference. The observed association between symptom frequency and interference is not as strong among those reporting high levels of mindfulness. Overall, this study strengthens justification for the use of MBIs in IBS.
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GKP: led the design, execution, analysis, and writing of the research. PVH: supervised the study and provided substantial contributions to the writing of the manuscript. TGM: provided consultation to GKP and PVH on statistical analyses and contributed to final manuscript edits.
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Potter, G.K., Hunter, P.V. & Morrison, T.G. Dispositional Mindfulness in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: the Mediating Role of Symptom Interference and Self-Compassion. Mindfulness 11, 462–471 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-019-01282-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-019-01282-9