Abstract
M.A.
Irritable bowel syndrome has the dubious honour of being one of the most widely
researched, yet poorly understood gastrointestinal disorders. Vast amounts of research
have been conducted into every facet of this disorder, yet the investigations yield
results that are often contradictory and more conducive to complication than
clarification. In light of the quote above, it becomes apparent that research into IBS
has fulfilled the requirements for 'serious research', leaving medical practitioners and
researchers with more questions than answers.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a bowel disorder characterised by abdominal pain and
either diarrhoea or constipation (Bennett, 1989). It is estimated to affect 8 to 15% of
the population, and accounts for between 50% and 70% of referrals to
gastroenterology clinics (Whitehead & Schuster, 1985). Such a common disorder
should be well understood but it is not. In fact, there is little consensus amongst
clinicians and researchers concerning the underlying cause of this syndrome. Organic
causes which have been suggested include abnormal motor activity of the intestinal
tract (Snape et al., 1976), abnormal gut hormone secretion and sensitivity (Ritchie,
1973, in Lynn & Friedman, 1993) and diet (Jones et al., 1982, in Corney et al., 1991).
Many studies have also indicated that psychological factors are important and that
patients with this syndrome are more neurotic, depressed or anxious than others
(Hislop, 1971; Young et al., 1976).
Research findings have tended to be contradictory, yet one common thread throughout
the literature has been the role that stress seems to play in both the onset and
maintenance of IBS. A number of studies have been conducted in this area, yet once
again the findings have been contradictory and little clarity has been achieved. It is
against this background that the aims of the present study can be described.
The aims of the present study are twofold. The first, and most specific aim is to clarify
the relationship between psychological stress and IBS. In particular, the present
investigation will explore the differences in daily and occupational stress between
healthy individuals and those suffering from IBS.
The second aim of this research more general, and concerns theory building. This is
particularly important in a field where there has been so much ambiguity and confusion.