Self-conscious emotions and Inflammatory Bowel Disease - V1 13.03.16
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The impact of shame in physical health: the role of self-conscious emotions in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
IRAS ID
200651
Contact name
Rebecca L Piper
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leicester
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
0575 , Sponsor reference number
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 28 days
Research summary
Background
This qualitative interview study hopes to understand people’s experiences of self-conscious emotions related to a diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The study is being completed as part of the researcher’s doctorate in Clinical Psychology.IBD describes life-long inflammatory conditions of the digestive system, including Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease. Symptoms of IBD include severe, urgent diarrhoea, weight loss and tiredness; treatment options include medication and in severe cases, surgery. Both physical and psychological factors are associated with IBD, so understanding more about these psychological processes is an important step.
People with IBD experience more difficulties with anxiety and depression when compared to the general population, and describe avoiding situations as a way of coping with their condition. It is likely that embarrassment and shame (types of self-conscious emotion) are felt more often by people with IBD, as they may need to use the toilet more frequently than others, and because problems with bowels is a topic not often discussed or recognised. However, there is little research that looks at these emotional experiences or the impacts of these in people with IBD. It will be important to explore these experiences and identify any impacts on relationships and self-perception.
Research aims
This study aims to identify self-conscious experiences of people with IBD and explore the psychological and social impacts of these. It is hoped that this information will give professionals a better understanding of the self-conscious experiences that people with IBD face and suggestions about how they might be able to help.Method
Participants will be informed about the study at NHS-run IBD clinics and an IBD support group meeting and invited to give an audio-recorded interview about their experiences. 18-20 participants will be interviewed and themes from the information gathered will be identified that apply to the group.REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/WM/0290
Date of REC Opinion
5 Aug 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion