Role of Emotional Maturity in the Development of Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS) Among Adolescents

Objective:

When bowel starts functioning abnormally (not in a normal routine), without any physical problem attached with it, it is called Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The present study was conducted to identify the factors related to emotional maturity which contribute in the development of IBS among adolescents.

Method:

The sample of the present study consisted of 200 adolescents (100 IBS and 100 non IBS) studying in different C.B.S.E. schools located in Meerut city, India. A questionnaire based on Rome II criteria was applied for screening IBS students and Emotional Maturity Scale by V. Singh and M. Bhargava to measure variables related to emotional maturity. High scores on these variables reflect negative aspect of the dimension. Multiple regression analysis was employed for analysis of data.

Result:

On these five variables obtained r-value was found .3897, .3498, .3657, .3554, and .3070 respectively which were significant at .01 level of confidence. Emotional stability/instability and social adjustment/maladjustment were found significant at .01 level with beta value (.27 and .20), t-value (3.24 and 2.49) and multiple R (.42). The combined contribution of both the variables in the development of Irritable Bowel Syndrome was found 18%.