Improving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome through positive psychology techniques
Official title: A Positive Psychology Intervention for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11136630 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how positive thinking exercises can help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) feel better mentally and emotionally, using a friendly 9-week phone program called 'WISH' to see if it works better than just learning about IBS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 3, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $196,940 |
| NIH project number | 1K23DK138875-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11136630 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with IBS who do not engage with psychological interventions or those with severe psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of positive psychology interventions (PPIs) to help individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It aims to enhance the mental well-being of patients through simple exercises that promote resilience and positive thinking. The study will involve a 9-week phone-based program called 'WISH,' which will be compared to an educational control group to assess its feasibility and effectiveness. By focusing on the gut-brain connection, the research seeks to address the limitations of current behavioral treatments for IBS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management of IBS symptoms and enhanced quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While positive psychology interventions have shown promise in other areas, this specific application for IBS is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Madva, Elizabeth Noble — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Madva, Elizabeth Noble
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Proteolytic Activity-Guided Fecal Microbiota Transplant for PI-IBS
A pilot study will test a targeted fecal microbiota transplant to help adults with post-infection irritable bowel syndrome feel better and have fewer GI symptoms.
-
IBS after COVID-19: how SARS-CoV-2 infection may lead to irritable bowel syndrome
This project explores whether people who had SARS-CoV-2 infection may develop IBS and what factors raise that risk.
-
Psyllium with meals for fructan-triggered pain in children with IBS
A small study in children with IBS will test whether adding psyllium with meals helps reduce tummy pain caused by fructan in certain foods.
-
VR-based CBT for IBS: at-home treatment idea with guided virtual reality therapy
A pilot study will test whether a home-based VR cognitive behavioral therapy program helps people with irritable bowel syndrome feel better and manage symptoms compared with a sham VR experience.
-
Understanding how alcohol and the gut’s serotonin system affect IBS
This project looks at how alcohol and the gut’s serotonin system may influence irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms in people who have IBS.
-
Sex differences in how the brain, gut, and microbes interact in IBS
A large NIH grant is studying how sex differences in brain–gut–microbiome interactions relate to IBS and its related symptoms, with a focus on women.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.