Effect of a Psychological Intervention on Stigma: a Randomized Controlled Study

Patients were provided with IBS related knowledge (e.g., the pathogenesis of IBS and the reasons affecting the treatment effect), exercise guidance, drug guidance and dietary management precautions; and timely answers to patients' clinical problems and psychological support.

"On the basis of the control group, the stigma intervention program of college students with IBS based on ACT theory was implemented. The duration of intervention was 40 to 50 minutes for 6 times, once a week for 6 weeks.~Week1: established relationships; introduced the core contents of ACT, the treatment process, and the effects of application.~Week2: encouraged to express negative emotions and behaviors; made patients accept the disease.~Week3: explained the importance of coping with negative emotions; instructed to separate negative thoughts from reality through cognitive dissociation exercises.~Week4: changed the concept of self and actively accepted IBS; guided to focus on the current life and true self.~Week5: introduced the values in ACT; helped clarify the values; guided to build confidence and focused on the core values.~Week6: introduced the importance of commitment to action; developed goals and plans together; encouraged to strengthen the use of ACT."