Selected personality traits and emotional disorders of women diagnosed with gastrointestinal disease – a pilot study

INTRODUCTION: There are many studies on the influence of psychological factors in the appearance of symptoms and their treatment among gastroenterological patients. It is increasingly indicated that these factors are of great importance also for the quality of life of people struggling with a chronic disease. AIM: To evaluate personality traits and emotional disorders in female patients with gastrointestinal conditions such as functional dyspepsia (FD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample of 28 patients was verified in terms of the disease using the GAST questionnaire and assessed by personality questionnaires and psychological tests: the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), EAS Temperament Survey, Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPQ-R), Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS); Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ), General Self-efficacy Scale (GSES), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). RESULTS: The control group was recruited from female university students declaring full health. The conducted statistical analysis showed that there is a significant relationship between personality traits, psychological predispositions, and both the experience of illness and satisfaction with life among this specific group of patients. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrated the need for a personalized approach to gastroenterological patients, also based on their personality characteristics. Such an approach may increase the effectiveness of therapy and bring benefits in long-term treatment.