The Efficiency of Emotion Regulation and Distress Tolerance Based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy on Anxiety Sensitivity and Emotion Regulation Difficulties in Women with Irritable Bowel

Abstract

Background: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects social, occupational, communicational, and psychological functioning. Therefore, the aim of this research was to determine the effect of emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) on anxiety sensitivity and emotion regulation difficulties among women with IBS. Methods: In order to conduct this study, a sample of 30 women with IBS who referred to Tehran healthcare centers was selected using the convenience sampling. Then, participants were assigned to experimental and control groups randomly. In this pretest-posttest semi-experimental study, we used anxiety sensitivity index questionnaire and the emotion regulation questionnaire. The experimental group received the educational intervention in 10 sessions during two and a half months. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: The results showed that DBT had a significant effect on anxiety sensitivity and emotional regulation difficulties in women with IBS (P-value < 0.001). So, this treatment could reduce the anxiety sensitivity and emotional regulation difficulties in with IBS women. Conclusion: According to the results, DBT educations can reduce the anxiety sensitivity and negative emotion regulation and increase the positive emotion regulation.