Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Assessment of Perigenital Sensitivity and Prostatic Mast Cell Activation in a Mouse Model of Neonatal Maternal Separation
Published on: August 13, 2015
Anger and childhood sexual abuse are independently associated with irritable bowel syndrome
Helen Beesley1, Jonathan Rhodes, Peter Salmon
1Division of Clinical Psychology, University of Liverpool, UK. h.c.beesley@liv.ac.uk
Objectives:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) presents in the absence of identifiable organic pathology. Clinical and research literature has suggested that both childhood abuse and anger are linked to functional gastrointestinal conditions including IBS. The present study tested the predictions that IBS patients, when compared to patients with an organic bowel disease (Crohn's disease), have higher levels of trait and suppressed anger, and that these mediate the link between abuse and IBS.
Design:
The study was a cross-sectional multivariate comparison between groups of patients with IBS and Crohn's disease.
Method:
Levels of self-reported trait and suppressed anger and recalled childhood abuse in patients with IBS (N=75) or Crohn's disease (N=76) were compared, using self-report questionnaires and controlling for other psychological characteristics (anxiety, depression, and dissociation).
Results:
Trait and suppressed anger were greater in IBS patients, and differences in trait anger remained significant after controlling for other psychological variables. Childhood sexual abuse was more prevalent in IBS than Crohn's disease patients but was unrelated to trait anger.
Conclusions:
Higher levels of anger characterize IBS patients when compared to an organic bowel disease group, but do not explain the link between childhood abuse and IBS.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction

