Improving disease management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease: the potential role of self-concordant health goals

• Published in: Frontiers in psychology 2023-07, Vol.14, p.1115160-1115160
• Main Authors: Horvát, Barbara, Dávid, Anett, Sallay, Viola, Rafael, Beatrix, Njers, Sanela, Orbán, Kata, Molnár, Tamás, Csabai, Márta, Martos, Tamás
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: chronic disease; health behavior; health-related goals; inflammatory bowel disease; Psychology; self-concordance; trait anxiety
• ISSN: 1664-1078; 1664-1078
• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1115160

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic gastrointestinal conditions that significantly impact patients' quality of life. Previous research indicates that patients with IBD have a higher prevalence of anxiety compared to the general population and other chronic diseases. This pilot study aimed to investigate the relationships between goal integration, positive and negative emotions, goal self-efficacy, and trait anxiety as the outcome variable, focusing on patients' self-management strategies. Drawing from the Self-Concordance Model (SCM) of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the study explored how goal integration is associated with more fulfilling and enjoyable experiences and fewer negative emotions, ultimately improving psychological well-being. Health-related goals were evaluated using the Personal Project Analysis technique, while the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was utilized to measure general anxiety levels. Among the 141 participants with inflammatory bowel disease, 96 reported having health-related goals. Of these, 66 were female (68.75%), and 30 were male participants (31.25%). Path analysis revealed a moderate negative association between self-concordance (SC) and negative emotions, which, in turn, predicted higher levels of trait anxiety. Furthermore, the alternative model tested indicated that trait anxiety predicted a lower level of self-concordance. Setting well-integrated health goals involves an internal capacity, enabling patients to experience less negative emotions during self-management activities. Anxiety can hinder individuals from accessing their inner needs, resulting in less self-concordant aspirations and more negative emotions. These findings may contribute to developing prevention and intervention programs to enhance IBD patients' adherence to lifestyle changes, ultimately improving their overall well-being.