Abstract
PSYCHOLOGICAL factors have a role in Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptomatology. The locus of control test determines an individual’s degree of internality or externality. The degree of internality or externality does not influence the site of major Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptomatology. Externalizers have a worse prognosis than internalizers. This effect on prognosis should be borne in mind when testing for diet and or drug efficacy.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Fielding, J. F. 1977. The Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Clinical spectrum. In the G.I. tract and stress and psychosocial disorder. T. P. Almy, J. F. Fielding (eds.). London, W. B. Saunders Co Ltd. pp. 607–622.
Fielding, J. F. 1978. Clinical and radiological manifestations of the Irritable bowel syndrome. Jour. Roy. Irish Colls. Phys. Surgs. 8, 11–15.
Fielding, J. F. 1979. The ‘Butterfly’ effects of stress. G.P. 19th January, p. 30.
Gore, P. M. 1966. Unpublished doctoral thesis (Ohio State University 1962). Quoted by J. B. Rotter in Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement, J. B. Rotter (auth.). Psychological Monographs Vol. 50; Whole No. 609, p. 24.
Hislop, I. G. 1971. Psychologicail significance of the Irritable Colon Syndrome. Gut 12, 452–457.
Palmer, R. L., Stonehill, E. Crisp, A. H., Waller, S. L., Misiewizc, J. J. 1974. Phychological characteristics of patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Practical implications for the primary physician. Gastroenterology 70, 162–166.
Rotter, J. B. 1966. Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement. Psychological Monographs, Vol. 80, Whole No. 609.
Young, S. J., Alpers, D. H., Norland, C. C., Woodruff, R. A., Jnr. 1976, Psychological characteristics of patients with the Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Postgrad. Med. Jour. 50, 416–419.
Whitehead, W. E., Engel, B. T. and Shuster, M. M. 1980. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Physiological and psychological differences between diarrhoea-predominant and constipation-predominant patients. Dig. Dis. Sci. 25, 404–412.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Requests for reprints to: Dr. John F. Fielding, Department of Medicine and Gastroenterology, The Charitable Infirmary, Jervis Street, Dublin 1.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ryan, W.J., Dolphin, T. & Fielding, J.F. The locus of control: It’s significance in the irritable bowel syndrome. I.J.M.S. 153, 130–132 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02939875
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02939875