Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between Crohn’s disease activity and three psychological variables: perceived stress, coping strategies and self-efficacy. The sample consisted of 102 volunteers (N=102) recruited through the Irish Society of Ulcerative Colitis and social media forums. The participants were asked to complete an online self-report survey consisting of Perceives Stress Scale, Brief COPE scale and Generalized Self-Efficacy scale. Statistical analyses demonstrated significant results between the use of maladaptive coping strategies and the disease activity. There was negative significant correlation between stress and self-efficacy and positive significant correlation between stress, behavioural disengagement and self-blame. However, no other significant correlations were observed. Therefore, it was concluded that large sample controlled studies are needed to further investigate the role of perceived stress, coping and self-efficacy in patients with Crohn’s disease. Auhor keywords: Inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, stress, self-efficacy, coping
