Relationship between Anxiety and Repression by Examination of the Mediator role of the Integrative Self-Knowledge in Patients with Gastrointestinal Diseases

Gastrointestinal (Digestive) disorders, as one of the most frequent physical complaints in the human population, are a well-known example of the association of anxiety with physical health. It is estimated that about 7 to 12 percent of all referrals to physicians are due to digestive disorders and symptoms. The main objective of this study was to identify the relationship between anxiety and repression regarding the mediating role of integrative self-knowledge. To achieve this goal, 125 patients with gastrointestinal disorders responded to Integrative self-knowledge (ISK), scaled form of disorder’s symptoms self-evaluation (Symptom Checklist) and Weinberger adjustment inventory questionnaires. The results of regression analysis and correlation of data showed that integrative self-knowledge has a mediating role in the relationship between repression and anxiety in patients with gastrointestinal (digestive) disorders.  These findings, as well as confirming the mutual relationship between mind and body and the importance of psychological processes in patients with physical illnesses, expanded the theoretical model of self-regulation processes and was developed based on its theoretical basis.