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=Volume 13 - 2022

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 41.74 and 29.52. 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.