Faculty Collaboration Database

Resilience in the face of adversity: Adverse and benevolent childhood experiences in irritable bowel syndrome. J Psychosom Res 2026 Sep;208:112847

Date

05/12/2026

Pubmed ID

42119244

DOI

10.1016/j.jpsychores.2026.112847

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-105038329299 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) report higher levels of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE). However, little is known about protective factors. This study aims to investigate whether Benevolent Childhood Experiences (BCE), such as favorable resources and relationships during childhood, can mitigate the risk of IBS associated with ACE.

METHODS: Participants were recruited nationwide through an online survey panel. This cross-sectional study included individuals who self-reported a doctor's diagnosis of IBS. All participants completed the Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire for Adults, the Benevolent Childhood Experiences Scale, and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS).

RESULTS: A total of 100 patients with IBS and 192 individuals without IBS participated. Logistic regression showed an interaction of ACE and BCE (OR = 0.96, 95%CI 0.92-0.99). Low BCE and high ACE was almost twice as likely to occur in the IBS (18.0%) vs non-IBS (10.45%) group. No difference in IBS (22%) vs non-IBS (20.8%) for the high ACE and high BCE, indicating a protective effect of BCE. No interaction effect was found for GI symptom severity (GSRS), indicating the effect may be specific to diagnosis rather than symptoms.

DISCUSSION: findings suggest that adverse childhood experiences are not associated with IBS in individuals with high resiliency. However, individuals with low resiliency and high levels of ACE are at significantly increased risk for IBS. These results imply that while ACE can negatively impact gastrointestinal symptoms, supportive interpersonal relationships during childhood may buffer these adverse effects and potentially prevent the onset of IBS.

Author List

Anumolu A, Hamal A, Petrovski R, Acker E, Buck S, Hutt T, Momodu I, Okafor C, van Tilburg MAL

Author

Rebecca Petrovski DO, MA Instructor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Male
Middle Aged
Resilience, Psychological