Abstract

Julius O. Attoh

Brain-gut connection is well established as is depression and anxiety to gastric pathology. Still elusive is clarity on specific cognitive and behavioural states and bowel functioning. Therefore this study investigated the relationships among depression, anxiety, flexibility, and gastric symptoms. 120 student participants completed the four scales used: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), General Expectancy for Success Scale (GESS), Bowel Health Questionnaire (BHQ), and Luchin water-jar problems. Correlational analysis showed high correlation between BDI and BHQ, especially for young male students. Scores on the Luchin water-jar problems were negatively correlated with the BHQ and the best predictor variable for scores on BHQ was BDI, followed by scores on flexibility (Luchin). Multivariate analysis revealed a significant effect of Sex on the GESS. Univariate analysis showed a significant effect of Age on the same scale. Results suggest that depression, flexibility and gastric symptoms may be associated in nonclinical samples.