Gastrointestinal conditions impact around 25% of children and young people, and have been associated with increased levels of low mood and anxiety, and reduced quality of life. This is thought to be due to the challenges of managing a gastrointestinal condition, such as navigating dietary requirements, attending hospital appointments, social exclusion and the stigma attached to gastro-related symptoms. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is the most commonly researched psychological intervention for such conditions, however it may not fully address all difficulties. Funding for psychology in gastroenterology teams in the UK is also often limited despite the impact on wellbeing. This thesis aimed to explore the psychosocial challenges across gastrointestinal conditions to inform future psychological support and to examine a novel psychological intervention for a group within this cohort.

Part one of this portfolio presents a framework analysis exploring children with gastrointestinal condition and their families’ psychosocial challenges, using a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy model. Findings showed that across conditions, uncertainty, social exclusion, shame, anxiety and impact to quality of life was present, and suggested that these were exacerbated by societal challenges and the impact on the whole family. This indicates that CBT may provide a useful framework for understanding the experiences described by participants, and that considering broader developmental, identity and systemic factors may extend support. 

Part two is an empirical pilot study assessing an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy podcast intervention for young people with coeliac disease. Preliminary findings indicate that the intervention improved health-related quality of life and improved psychological flexibility, as well as participants finding the podcast feasible and acceptable.