Objective: In this study, we intended to explore group differences between individuals with and without irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in terms of psychological (i.e., perceived stress, internalizing problems, and difficulties in emotion regulation) and lifestyle-related factors (i.e., health-promoting behaviors and the frequency of smoking and alcohol consumption).
Method: The data were collected using an online survey packet comprising demographic information form, Rome III Criteria for IBS, Health-Promoting Life-Style Profile II, Perceived Stress Scale, Brief Symptom Inventory, and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. The study sample consisted of 105 individuals who met IBS based on Rome III Criteria and 105 healthy individuals.
Results: The group comparisons showed that IBS is positively associated with being female, perceived stress level, internalizing problems (i.e., depression, anxiety, and somatization), and some difficulties in emotion regulation (i.e., strategy and impulse). However, IBS was not associated with age, perceived income level, the frequency of smoking and alcohol consumption, and health-promoting behaviors (i.e., physical activity and nutrition).
Conclusion: Overall, the results suggest that IBS might be more related to psychological factors than healthy lifestyle factors. Thus, assessing psychological factors in IBS interventions might be helpful in the prevention and treatment of IBS.