The experience of self-conscious emotions in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Thematic Analysis

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a condition causing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract which can be debilitating for patients, causing bowel/digestive issues and also more systemic symptoms such as fatigue and pain. IBD affects significant numbers of people and is increasing in prevalence worldwide. This thesis aimed to develop a greater understanding of patients’ experiences of living with IBD, with a particular interest in self-conscious emotions. Literature review: Pain manifestation is a common experience in IBD, yet no systematic reviews have been conducted into psychological and social factors associated with pain in this population. The current review examined 16 quantitative studies identified from searching five databases, and identified that pain correlated with quality of life (QOL), psychological distress, specific thinking and coping styles, and family responses to patient communications. However, methodological weaknesses of the included studies precluded firm conclusions from being drawn. Further investigation in this area with more robust study designs (including improved pain measurement) is recommended. Empirical study: The research study investigated experiences of self-conscious emotions in people living with IBD. Fifteen people took part in semi-structured interviews which were analysed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Two themes, each with three sub-themes, were developed to interpret participants’ experiences, which included a spectrum of self-conscious emotions including embarrassment, shame, humiliation and guilt. These are discussed from an evolutionary, relational position, with implications for clinicians working therapeutically with this population also outlined. Suggestions for additional study in this area are considered, including further investigation of the consequences of self-conscious emotions for relationships. Critical Appraisal: The critical appraisal details reflections on the research process, including learning points that the researcher intends to take forward in her career.