eLIFEwithIBD - Living With Intention, Fullness and Engagement With Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Online)

eLIFEwithIBD (Living With Intention, Fullness and Engagement With Inflammatory Bowel Disease): The Impact of an ICT-based Intervention on Physical and Mental Health

This study aims to test the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of an online intervention (eLIFEwithIBD) developed for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The eLIFEwithIBD intervention is an adaptation of the LIFEwithIBD program (delivered in an in-person group format; Trindade et al., 2021), being an ACT, mindfulness, and compassion-based intervention. The eLIFEwithIBD intervention comprises nine sessions focusing on education about IBD, the functioning of the mind, emotions, and fatigue; acceptance of internal experiences; willingness; emotion regulation; values clarification; committed action; mindfulness; compassion; and gratitude. These topics are addressed through videos with therapists, texts, and experiential exercises.

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged between 18 and 65;
• IBD diagnosis (at least from 6 months prior);
• regular access to a computer with internet;
• able to write and read in Portuguese, and give informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder, psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, substance abuse), or suicidal ideation (assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9);
• current psychotherapy use;
• pregnancy.