Gender differences in inflammatory bowel disease: Explaining body image dissatisfaction

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the role of body image problems in the context of inflammatory bowel disease and to explore gender differences in these associations. A sample of inflammatory bowel disease patients (60 males and 140 females) was collected.Findings from a multi-group analysis show that inflammatory bowel disease symptomatology may impact on body image in both male and female patients through the effect of body-image-related cognitive fusion. Body image difficulties in the context of inflammatory bowel disease should not be a neglected dimension in research aiming at understanding the psychosocial effects of inflammatory bowel disease and by health professionals working with these patients.

Quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: the role of positive psychological factors

“…These results are in line with the study of Trindade et al ( 2017 ) that found an association between a less positive body image and lower scores on physical and psychological QoL domains in a Portuguese sample diagnosed with IBD. Trindade, Ferreira, Duarte, and Pinto-Gouveia ( 2019 ) reported correlations between IBD symptomatology and a negative body image, which reinforce the impact of body image on patients’ QoL. As in other clinical conditions, such as cancer disease or spinal cord injury (Bailey, Gammage, van Ingen, & Ditor, 2015 ; Moreira & Canavarro, 2010 ), these results suggest that acceptance of body changes, and valuing it beyond beauty ideals, are essential factors for a new post-disease identity, a better quality and meaning of life.…”

Infliximab for Crohn’s Disease Patients with Perianal Fistulas: Better Image, Better Life

“…In addition to physical impairments, CD patients experience reduced health-related quality of life (QoL) [ 5 , 6 ], a negative body image (BI) and lower self-esteem (SE) [ 7 – 9 ], which negatively affect their social-psychological well-being. Few studies, however, have assessed the social and psychological effects experienced by CD patients with PF.…”