Model of Predicting Psychosocial Adaptation to Disease According to Perceived Stress and Sense of Coherence with the Mediation Role of Self-Compassion in the Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Background: The purpose of this research was to develop a model that could predict psychosocial adaptation to disease in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) based on perceived stress, sense of coherence, and the mediating function of self-compassion. Utilizing descriptive-correlational and structural equation modeling, the research was conducted.

Methods: Patients with IBS who were referred to therapy centers and gastroenterologists in the city of Isfahan between the autumn and winter of 2020- 2021 constituted the statistical population of the study. The statistical population comprised 340 IBS patients selected using a method of convenient sampling. Psycho-Social Adaptation to Disease Scale (PSADS), Perceived Self compassion Scale (PSS), Sense of Coherence Questionnaire (SCQ), and Self Compassion Questionnaire (SCQ) were among the instruments utilized. The data analysis was performed using SPSS and Amos software, version 23, in conjunction with path analysis and Bootstrap testing.

Results: Significant relationships were found between perceived stress, sense of coherence, self-compassion, and psychosocial adaptation to disease (p<0.01). Furthermore, perceived stress, and sense of coherence, and selfcompassion all have a significant direct effect on psychosocial adaptation to disease (p<0.01). Additionally, the findings from the Bootstrap analysis indicated that selfcompassion mediates the relationship between perceived stress, sense of coherence, and psychosocial adaptation to disease in a statistically significant manner (p<0.01).

Conclusions: In conclusion, the model exhibited an adequate degree of fit. Given the substantial mediating influence of self compassion, it is imperative that clinical therapists enhance the psychosocial adaptation of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by employing efficacious psychological therapy approaches, including selfcompassion-based therapy.