Elham Mollaie - Department of Psychology, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
Ghasem Naziry - Department of Psychology, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the digestive system which can neither be cited for its psychological causes, nor can its organic causes be limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare family cohesion, quality of life and early maladaptive schemes in married women with IBS and normal married women.Methods: In this study, ۸۰ participants (۴۰ individuals with irritable bowel syndrome and ۴۰ normal individuals) were selected by available sampling method. Data were collected through questionnaires of family cohesion, quality of life and early maladaptive schemes. To analyze the data, multivariate analysis of variance and independent sample t-test were used (p≤۰.۰۵). Results: There is no significant difference between family cohesion in women with irritable bowel syndrome and normal women (p ≤۰.۰۵). Physical function score, physical pain, general health and overall quality of life score in normal women were significantly higher than women with IBS (p≤۰.۰۵). Also, cuts and rejection, autonomy and impaired function, impaired constraints, and excessive alert in women with IBS were higher than normal women (p≤۰.۰۵).Conclusion: It seems that irritable bowel syndrome leads to a decrease of family cohesion and quality of life in married women.

Family Cohesion, Quality of life, Early maladaptive schemas, Irritable Bowel Syndrome