Effects of Resilience and Psychological Defenses on the Relationship Between Emotional Distress & Gastrointestinal Health

Abstract

Mental health concerns are commonly associated with chronic disease. Additionally, mental health concerns can have major influence on physical health outcomes. Functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are common chronic medical conditions characterized by physiological symptoms that oftentimes accompany mental health conditions. This is due to the bidirectional communication between the central and enteric nervous system that links emotional cognitions and emotions with intestinal functions called the gut-brain axis (GBA). While it is known that psychological distress likely contributes to onset and chronicity of physical complaints, etiology of gut health problems remains unclear. Resilience is the ability to adapt and respond positively to stress. Higher levels of resilience have been associated with reduced GI complaints. Additionally, defensive coping styles have also been associated with predicting levels of resilience. Using a mediation model, this study set out to examine the effects of resilience and defensive coping styles on the relationship between psychological distress and GI complaints. It was hypothesized psychological distress would be positively associated with GI complaints. It was also hypothesized that psychological distress would be negatively associated with less resilience and positively associated with maladaptive defense mechanisms. Lastly, we hypothesized that psychological distress and gut health problems would be partially mediated by resilience and defense mechanisms. Data were collected online using self-report measures from 313 participants. Results found that gut health and psychological distress were positively associated. Psychological distress was negatively associated with resilience and positively associated with maladaptive coping mechanisms. Resilience and defense mechanisms were not found to explain the relationship between psychological distress and GI complaints. The results support the biopsychosocial model of physical health and psychological well-being. Stress significantly predicted GI complaints. Future research should continue exploring the specific variables that contribute to changes in the bidirectional link between cognition and gastrointestinal health.