The psychological adaptation journey among Chinese adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease: A qualitative study

AimsIn this study, the aim is to explore how adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease cope with the challenges posed by the illness through psychological adjustment, with the goal of providing insights for the implementation of targeted interventions.MethodsFrom June to August 2023, semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients. Data were analyzed using the Colaizzi seven-step method.ResultsThe psychological adaptation process for adolescents with IBD can be categorized into five main themes: 1) Denial phase: Disbelief in the reality of the disease; 2) Despair Phase：Struggling with the negative emotions brought about by the disease; 3) Rebuilding Phase: Reshaping of cognitive perspective; 4) Adaptation phase: Proactive behavioral response; and 5) Growth phase: Strengthening of psychological resilience.ConclusionHealthcare staff should place emphasis on the patients' positive experiences, foster connections between patients and their individual selves, families, and society, thereby strengthening their psychological adaptability.