AUTHOR=Wu Qiwei , Zhu Pingting , Liu Xinyi , Chen Chen , Ji Qiaoying , Gu Qiaohua TITLE=The impact of family function on mental health status in patient with inflammatory bowel disease: The mediating role of self-esteem JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychiatry VOLUME=13 YEAR=2022 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1007318 DOI=10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1007318 ISSN=1664-0640 ABSTRACT=Objective

Family function is a protective factor for mental health status in IBD patients; however, the underlying processes are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the mediating influence of self-esteem on family functioning and mental health.

Methods

This cross-sectional study comprised a total of 133 IBD patients who were assessed for family function (APGAR) and depression symptoms. (PHQ-9), anxiety symptoms. (GAD-7) and self-esteem (RSES) via self-administered questionnaires. Mediating effects were tested using the SPSS Process program with bootstrap.

Results

The total score of PHQ-9 was 7.44 ±5.54. The total score of GAD-7 was 6.15±4.78. Significant associations were identified among family function, self-esteem, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Results revealed a significant indirect effect, suggesting that the effects of family function on depression and anxiety symptoms were mediated by self-esteem; the indirect effects percentages were 41.63 and 29.25.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the family function of IBD patients can predict their mental health condition. As self-esteem is a mediating element, which may have been influenced by family function, mental health status is indirectly affected. Therefore, promoting the self-esteem of IBD patients is crucial for facilitating long-term mental wellness.