The Structural Model of Difficulties in Emotion Rgulation, Psychological Problems, Somatization and Gastrointestinal Symptoms Intensity in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Nowadays, bio-psycho-social model is the best model for the assessment and treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the structural pattern of the relationships between the difficulties in emotion regulation, psychological problems (anxiety and depression), somatization and gastrointestinal symptoms intensity in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders.

240 patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders were selected using convenience sampling method. They participated in the research by filling four questionnaires: Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire (MSPQ) and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling method.

The difficulties in emotion regulation had significantly direct effects on anxiety, depression and somatization, and indirect effect on gastrointestinal symptoms intensity (P < 0.001). Besides, the mediatory roles of anxiety and somatization in the relationship between the difficulties in emotion regulation and gastrointestinal symptoms intensity were supported.

In sum, the results of the study emphasize the role of difficulties in emotion regulation in development of gastrointestinal symptoms intensity in these patients by increasing anxiety and somatization.