Importance of personal resources for the quality of life of patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Abstract

Introduction: The present study provided an analysis of the relationship between resiliency and quality of life in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), discussing the missing issue of personal resources importance. Purpose of work: Verification of the importance of resilience for the quality of life of patients with IBS. Material and methods: The study analyzed a group of 60 persons (38 women and 22 men) of the age ranged from 32 to 61 years (M = 44.30, SD = 8.07). It was conducted within a group of 30 healthy participants and 30 participants who have been diagnosed with IBS. In order to examine the level of resiliency, the Resiliency Assessment Scale (SPP-25) was used, whereas the quality of life was assessed by World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). Results: There is a positive relationship between resilience and quality of life. People suffering from IBS are characterized by a lower level of resilience and quality of life than healthy people. The strongest differences among QOL domains were found for psychological health, social relationships and environment. All correlations were positive, taking greater values in the IBS group. Conclusions: The level of resiliency in the IBS group is significantly lower than in the healthy group, which may result in insufficient self-regulation abilities. Difficulties in the field of psychological and social functioning contribute to a decrease in the quality of life of people with IBS, more than somatic complaints, while being one of the causes of exacerbation of symptoms in the course of the disease. Reinforcement of personal resources can be considered as a form of treatment, supporting patient’s psychophysical wellbeing.