The impact of a PERMA model-based positive psychology intervention on fear of recurrence of inflammatory bowel disease: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a positive psychological intervention based on the PERMA model on fear of recurrence, subjective well-being, psychological resilience, and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods: This study was conducted as a single-blind, two-arm randomized controlled trial at Jiangnan University Affiliated Hospital from May to July 2024. A total of 93 hospitalized patients experiencing fear of recurrence related to IBD were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 47) or the control group (n = 46). Patients in the intervention group received positive psychological intervention based on PERMA model, while patients in the control group received standard nursing. The levels of fear of recurrence, subjective well-being, resilience, and quality of life were assessed at baseline (T0), day of discharge (T1), 2 weeks post-discharge (T2), 4 weeks post-discharge (T3), and 8 weeks post-discharge (T4). Data were analyzed using independent sample t-tests, chi-square tests, and generalized estimating equations (GEE).

Results: Resilience and quality of life scores at T2 were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group. As the duration of the intervention increased, there was a significant decrease in the level of fear of recurrence (T3: U = −1.978, p = 0.048; T4: U = −2.116, p = 0.034), alongside improvements in subjective well-being (T3: t = 2.731, p = 0.008; T4: t = 3.490, p < 0.001), psychological resilience (T3: t = 4.824, p < 0.001; T4: t = 5.699, p < 0.001), and quality of life (T3: U = −2.576, p = 0.010; T4: U = −2.746, p = 0.006), all of which were statistically significant. Furthermore, a significant group-related shift was noted in psychological resilience (χ² = 14.353, p < 0.001). Notably, the effects of time and interaction on fear of recurrence, subjective well-being, psychological resilience, and quality of life were statistically significant (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Positive psychological interventions based on the PERMA model significantly reduced fear of recurrence in IBD patients, and positively affected their subjective well-being, psychological resilience, and quality of life.

Clinical trial registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=230313 ChiCTR2400085278.

1 Introduction

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is characterized by an imbalance in intestinal immune function, includes a group of disorders such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease (Hodson, 2016). However, due to changes in lifestyle and dietary patterns, China has been reported to have the highest incidence of IBD in Asia, amounting to approximately 3.44 per 100,000 individuals (Ng et al., 2017; Park and Cheon, 2021). Specifically, the primary symptoms of IBD, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stool, have been found to be prone to relapse, posing a persistent challenge (Kane et al., 2008). Clearly, these symptoms have been shown to significantly diminish the quality of life for affected individuals and contribute to a substantial disease burden (Calviño-Suárez et al., 2021). Currently, no accepted cure for IBD has been established (Le Berre et al., 2023), and the disease is commonly observed to recur (Jangi et al., 2021). Similarly, the global recurrence rate for ulcerative colitis (UC) has been documented at 73%, with a cumulative risk of recurrence at 1 year of 11.5% among patients receiving continuous endoscopic therapy (Rivière et al., 2021). Moreover, it has been observed that approximately 90% of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) experience a relapse, with 70% experiencing a rapid decline within the first ten years following diagnosis, and virtually all surgical patients are at high risk of relapse (Valibouze et al., 2021). Therefore, this increased need for care places a significant burden on family life and places considerable psychological stress on the patient.

Various patients have expressed concerns regarding the adverse consequences of recurrent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which commonly leads to a pervasive fear of recurrence (von Wietersheim et al., 1992). However, this fear relates to anxiety surrounding the potential return or progression of an existing condition (Bisgaard et al., 2022). Similarly, the bidirectional association between IBD and anxiety or depression has been recognized as clinically significant. While this is a typical psychological response to an emergency event, excessive fear of recurrence can adversely affect a patient’s well-being. Moreover, studies involving colorectal cancer survivors have shown that fear of recurrence is periodically associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety (Custers et al., 2016). Additionally, prolonged fear of relapse has been found to result in sustained emotional distress in patients and an increased risk of depression and anxiety (Simard et al., 2013). Notably, A recent study involving cancer patients demonstrated that the impact of fear of recurrence (FoR) on quality of life (QOL) is substantial, even surpassing the effect of anxiety on QOL (Kim et al., 2012). Therefore, given these findings, fear of recurrence is emerging as a critical clinical and psychological issue among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), warranting thorough and focused attention in both clinical practice and research.

Empirical research has demonstrated that positive psychological interventions can effectively mitigate the fear of cancer recurrence among patients, thereby enhancing their overall mental health and quality of life (Lyu et al., 2022). Specifically, the field of positive psychology focuses on the identification and cultivation of patients’ positive psychological attributes, the mobilization of positive emotions, and the modulation of their sense of well-being (Duckworth et al., 2005). However, in the context of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), existing research on fear of recurrence has predominantly focused on the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses, with a notable absence of systematic positive psychological interventions. Therefore, the scope of research should be expanded to thoroughly address psychological issues and facilitate the transition from traditional psychology to the field of psychological medicine.

The PERMA model, which encompasses positive affect (P), engagement (E), relationships (R), meaning (M), and achievement (A)—collectively referred to as “happiness PERMA”—has been widely recognized as a significant advancement in the field of positive psychology. Specifically, self-management training based on this model has typically been found to be more acceptable to patients than conventional, symptom-centric approaches to treatment. In addition, the PERMA model provides patients with ongoing psychological interventions that identify latent positive emotions, assist patients in confronting their illness and facilitate the correction of erroneous perceptions, thereby enhancing their quality of life and alleviating negative emotions. Currently, positive psychological interventions grounded in the PERMA model have demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in mitigating the fear of recurrence among patients with breast cancer (Chen et al., 2022). At the same time, these interventions have been shown to improve the happiness of autistic adults (Grosvenor et al., 2023). However, there is a paucity of research examining the applicability of this intervention model in addressing the fear of recurrence among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the impact of positive psychological interventions based on the PERMA model on the fear of relapse in patients with IBD.

2 Materials and methods

2.1 Study design

The single-blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted over a three-month period. The research protocol received approval from the Research Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University (approval number: LS2024231) and was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400085278). Reporting of the present trial follows CONSORT guidelines for randomized pilot and feasibility trials (Eldridge et al., 2016). In addition, written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to their inclusion in the study. Randomization and grouping were performed by a research assistant who was blinded to the study design and protocol. This assistant utilized a computer-generated random number table to assign participants to either the intervention group (IG) or the control group (CG). The assignments were placed in sealed envelopes which were opened only after the baseline measurements were collected. However, due to the nature of the intervention, the study was blinded solely to the data collector.

2.2 Settings and participants

The study population was composed of 93 patients experiencing fear of recurrence, who were recruited from a tertiary hospital in Wuxi City (Figure 1). The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) diagnosis meeting the criteria for UC or CD as proposed by the Chinese consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Hu, 2012), and who require regular treatment with biological agents (including patients in remission and those in active phase). For UC, disease activity is assessed using the Wallemarius Simplified Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI) (Walmsley et al., 1998), while for CD, the Simplified Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (SCDAI) (Harvey and Bradshaw, 1980) is employed. The assessment criteria for these two activity indices are identical: when a patient’s score is ≤ 4 points, this indicates a remission period for the disease; (2) primary school education level or higher; (3) a score of ≥ 34 points on the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF), indicating a clinically significant level of fear; (4) proficiency in operating smartphones by the patients or their caregivers; and (5) voluntary participation in the study with signed informed consent. Similarly, the exclusion criteria included: (1) severe heart, lung, liver, or kidney diseases, or malignant tumors; (2) legal blindness or severe visual impairment; and (3) mental disorders or cognitive impairments.

Figure 1

Figure 1. Flow chart of participants’ enrollment.

2.3 Control group

The control group was provided with standard nursing care, which consisted of the following components: (1) educational knowledge delivered to patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); (2) pharmacological treatment administered to IBD patients; (3) nutritional guidance offered to IBD patients; (4) psychological support provided to IBD patients; and (5) daily living nursing care carried out for IBD patients.

2.4 Intervention group

The study design included a control group that received a standard-of-care intervention, which was implemented in the Department of Gastroenterology. The intervention team was managed by a ten-member multidisciplinary research team consisting of a graduate supervisor, two professors of gastroenterology, a mental health specialist, two gastroenterology residents, a rehabilitation specialist, a head nurse, and two nurses from the gastroenterology department. The graduate supervisor was responsible for overseeing the overall learning design. Similarly, mental health specialists provided unified guidance and training for the intervention, coordinated efforts with head nurses, and managed patient health education. Graduate students, in collaboration with nursing staff, implemented nursing interventions, conducted interviews, and performed data collection and analysis. Finally, all members of the intervention team completed specialized training in positive psychological care to ensure the quality and consistency of the intervention.

Development of the Intervention Program: The intervention program was formulated based on a review of relevant literature from the past 5 years regarding the psychology of fear of recurrence and psychological interventions using the PERMA model for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Specifically, the review aimed to understand the levels of fear, hope and happiness in people with IBD and to assess the effects of these interventions. Subsequently, an initial positive psychological intervention program was developed using the PERMA model, which was refined through two rounds of expert consultations via email or face-to-face meetings, with adjustments based on expert feedback.

Implementation of the intervention: The intervention was structured around the five themes of the PERMA model and was delivered through twelve staged sessions.

1. First Session (Within 3 Days of Admission): The theme of the session was “Injecting Positive Emotions.” A one-on-one session lasting 30 to 45 min was held at the bedside, using PowerPoint as a visual aid. In addition, WeChat groups were set up to include the friends of patients, fostering a relationship of mutual trust between patients and their social circle.

2. Second Session (Within 4–7 Days of Admission): The theme was “Immersion in the Flow State.” The 30- to 45-min session was designed to facilitate patients’ experience of a “flow state,” diverting their attention from stress and physical discomfort through immersive relaxation training.

3. Third Session (Days 8–10 of Hospitalization): The theme of this session was “Creating and Preserving Positive Relationships.” The agenda included a group sharing session lasting 30 to 45 min, which involved patients, family members, and professionals. In this group setting, participants engaged in self-disclosure, shared their feelings, and learned communication skills through scenario simulations and role reversals.

4. Fourth Session (Day of Discharge): The theme was “Actively Understanding the Meaning of Life.” The 30- to 45-min session focused on affirming patients’ self-worth, encouraging active participation in life, and collaboratively planning post-discharge rehabilitation exercises.

5. Fifth Session (Within a Week of Discharge): The theme for this session was “Understanding the Meaning of Life.” Delivered through a 10- to 15-min web video, this session was designed to sustain patient engagement in their rehabilitation program while offering timely feedback for necessary adjustments.

6. Sixth Session (Within 2 Weeks of Discharge): The theme continued to be “Understanding the Meaning of Life.” This 10- to 15-min online video session was designed to reinforce the significance of adhering to a structured recovery program while emphasizing the positive aspects of patient progress.

7. Seventh Session (Within 3 Weeks of Discharge): The theme was again “Understanding the Meaning of Life.” The 10- to 15-min online video session was designed to ensure that patients actively follow their recovery plan. Patients were encouraged to share videos of their daily lives in a WeChat group to foster a sense of community and positive reinforcement.

8. Eighth Session (Within 4 Weeks of Discharge): The theme was “Achieving a Sense of Accomplishment.” This 15- to 20-min online video session focused on helping patients set viable life goals and actively pursue them. Patients were encouraged to continue their daily relaxation training and share their immersive experiences in a WeChat group to maintain motivation and a sense of achievement.

9. Ninth Session (Within 5 Weeks of Discharge): The theme was “Consolidating Positive Changes.” This 15- to 20-min online video session reviewed progress over the past 5 weeks, highlighting physical improvements, emotional stability, and positive lifestyle changes. Patients engaged in self-motivation training by setting personal growth goals and participated in family activities to enhance emotional bonds and social support.

10. Tenth Session (Within 6 Weeks of Discharge): The theme for this session was “Managing Emotions and Enhancing Social Interaction.” This 15- to 20-min online video session included training in mood management through techniques such as mood journaling and progressive relaxation. Patients were encouraged to participate in online exchanges with other patients and develop family support plans, thereby strengthening their social support networks and effectively coping with mood swings.

11. Eleventh Session (Within 7 Weeks of Discharge): The theme for this session was “Establishing a Healthy Lifestyle.” This 15- to 20-min online video session offered education on healthy living, covering essential topics such as diet, exercise, and sleep. Patients learned self-management skills, including how to monitor their health status and adjust their rehabilitation program accordingly. In addition, they were encouraged to engage in community activities to enhance social integration and improve their overall quality of life.

12. Twelfth Session (Within 8 Weeks of Discharge): The theme for this session was “Looking Forward and Preparing for Reintegration.” This 30- to 45-min online video session involved a comprehensive review of the eight-week recovery journey, highlighting the achievements and lessons learned. Patients set future goals, planned for their reintegration, and shared their experiences in community or online support groups to strengthen social connections and prepare for the next phase of their lives.

Throughout the intervention period, medical staff provided supervision and guidance via WeChat, telephone or monthly face-to-face consultations. See Table 1 for further details.

Table 1

Table 1. Positive psychological intervention program of PERMA model.

2.5 Data collection and outcomes measures

This study utilized live surveys with researchers trained in standardized instructional language to facilitate participant engagement. Specifically, the study objectives and key points were effectively communicated to the researchers. Additionally, patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) completed questionnaires independently and anonymously during the site visit, which were subsequently subjected to quality control by a designated officer. During the online follow-up intervention, follow-up nurses collected weekly data on the frequency and duration of patients’ online log-ins.

The Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF) was developed by Mehnert et al. (2006), based on the original FoP-Q, and was subsequently adapted for the Chinese population by Wu et al. (2015). This simplified scale encompasses two dimensions: physical health and social family function, each consisting of six items, resulting in a total of twelve items. Using a 5-point Likert scoring method, each item is rated on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 indicates “strongly disagree” and 5 indicates “strongly agree.” Total scores range from 12 to 60, with higher scores reflecting greater levels of fear experienced by patients. A total score of 34 or higher suggests that patients exhibit a fear of recurrence following inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The Cronbach’s α coefficient for this scale exceeds 0.88, indicating good internal consistency.

The Subjective Well-Being Scale, developed by Campbell (1976) and later translated into Chinese by Fan (1999), is utilized to assess a patient’s subjective well-being. The scale consists of two sub-scales: the General Affective Index Scale, which includes eight items, and the General Life Satisfaction Questionnaire, which includes one item. The scoring range for this scale spans from 2.1 to 14.7, with lower scores (2.1–6) indicating low well-being, moderate scores (6.1–10) reflecting moderate well-being, and higher scores (10.1–14.7) signifying high well-being. A higher total score on the scale correlates with greater subjective well-being, and the scale exhibits strong reliability, evidenced by a Cronbach’s α coefficient of 0.90.

Resilience Scale for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (RS-IBD) was developed by Luo (2018). This questionnaire consists of 25 items categorized into six dimensions: self-management on disease (four items), active response to difficulty (six items), positive cognition (five items), emotional regulation (four items), family support (three items) and other patients’ support (three items). A 5-point Likert scale was used for scoring, where 0 means “never” and 4 means “always.” The total score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating improved mental resilience. The Cronbach’s α coefficient for the RS-IBD scale is reported to be 0.94.

The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (IBDQ), developed by Guyatt et al. (1989), and translated into Chinese by Zhou and Lu (2004). Comprises 32 items divided into four dimensions: bowel symptoms (B) (10 items), systemic symptoms (S) (5 items), emotional function (E) (12 items), and social function (SF) (5 items). A 7-point Likert scale was utilized, where 1 denotes “very serious” and 7 indicates “normal.” Total scores range from 32 to 224, with higher scores indicating a better quality of life. The Chinese version of the IBDQ demonstrates a Cronbach’s α coefficient of 0.95.

2.6 Statistical analysis

IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0 (IBM SPSS, New York, United States) was utilized for data analysis in this study. Measurement data that conform to a normal distribution are represented as means and standard deviations, while the comparison between the two groups is analyzed using independent sample t-tests. For data that did not conform to normal distribution, results were presented as median (P₂₅, P₇₅), and the Mann–Whitney U test was employed for group comparisons. The categorical data are reported as counts or percentages, and group comparisons are analyzed using chi-square tests. Furthermore, this study employed the Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) model to compare the overall outcome evaluation indicators between the two groups, examining differences and trends over time. The main effects of group and time, and their interplay, were investigated. A two-sided test was applied, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

2.7 Sample size

The sample size estimation formula for comparing the means of two independent samples is given by: n1 = n2 = 2[(μ_α + μ_β)σ/δ]². Here, the significance level is set at two-sided α = 0.05, and the power of the test is 1 − β = 0.90, with β = 0.10. In this formula, σ represents the combined standard deviation, while δ denotes the difference between the two sample means. The values for μ_α and μ_β are provided as μ_α = 1.96 and μ_β = 1.282, respectively. Based on findings from similar studies, we have σ = 6.24 and δ = 4.96 (Frangou et al., 2021). Consequently, the calculated sample size is n1 = n2 = 33. Considering a projected loss rate of 30%, the final sample size required was 94 cases, with 47 allocated to the intervention group and 47 to the control group.

3 Results

3.1 Participant flow

A total of 186 patients were recruited for this study, of whom 108 met the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 54) or the control group (n = 54). Among them, 93 patients [intervention group (n = 47/54, 87%), control group (n = 46/54, 85%)] completed the 8-week follow-up, resulting in a loss to follow-up rate of 13.89% (15 patients). Specifically, the primary reasons for loss to follow-up included: 1. Patients were transferred to different hospitals for treatment due to their condition; 2. Refusal to participate due to work commitments and other reasons; 3. Loss of contact; and 4. Loss of interest in the study. Figure 1 shows the participant flow diagram.

3.2 Participant demographics and clinical characteristics

The mean age of the participants was 44.03 ± 14.99 years, with a mean cumulative number of recurrences of 5.67 ± 1.05. The majority of participants were male (62.37%) and married (73.12%). Approximately 46.24% of participants reported a per capita monthly household income of 3,000–5,000 RMB (US $418.04–696.7), and more than half indicated experiencing financial stress (59.14%). Participants were relatively well-educated, with 53.76 percent having a college education or higher and 66.67 percent employed by a business. Most participants (87.10%) resided in urban areas. All participants were covered by Medicare. More than half were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis upon admission (52.69%). Simultaneously, 55.91% of the participants experienced one or more related complications, including malnutrition, mild anal fistula and oral ulcers. The majority of diagnoses occurred more than 1 year prior (83.87%), and 82.80% had been hospitalized for inflammatory bowel disease more than five times. Additionally, the average BMI of participants was 18.04 ± 0.76, with most not smoking or drinking (68.82 and 69.98%, respectively), and a majority did not have hypertension, stroke, or other related chronic diseases (69.89 and 86.02%). There were no significant differences in age, gender, education level, occupational status, outpatient diagnosis, cumulative recurrence times, and disease status between the two groups (p > 0.05). Table 2 presents demographic information and clinical characteristics of the participants.

Table 2

Table 2. Demographic and clinical traits of the participants.

3.3 Effect of intervention on fear of recurrence, subjective well-being

Tables 3, 4 indicate that at T0 (baseline), there was no significant difference in the levels of fear of recurrence (U = −0.532, p = 0.595) and subjective well-being (t = −1.149, p = 0.254) between the patients in the intervention and control groups. In comparison to the control group, the intervention group exhibited lower levels of fear of recurrence at T3 (U = −1.978, p = 0.048) and T4 (U = −2.116, p = 0.034). Moreover, the CD patients in the intervention group had a decreased SCDAI scores at T4 (U = −2.160, p = 0.031) (see Table 5), alongside an increase in subjective well-being at T3 (t = 2.731, p = 0.008) and T4 (t = 3.490, p < 0.001), with these differences being statistically significant. However, no statistically significant differences were observed at the remaining intervention time points. Table 6 reveals that there were no significant differences in the levels of fear of recurrence and subjective well-being between the two groups (χ² = 0.273, p = 0.603; χ² = 0.925, p = 0.339), although both measures changed significantly over time (χ² = 240.207, p < 0.001; χ² = 71.870, p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant interaction between group and time (χ² = 27.016, p < 0.001; χ² = 15.274, p < 0.001). Figure 2 illustrates the changes in scale scores for fear of recurrence and subjective well-being in both groups across different intervention time points.

Table 3

Table 3. Comparison of recurrence fear scores between the two groups.

Table 4

Table 4. Comparison of well-being index scores between the two groups.

Table 5

Table 5. Comparison of disease activity scores between the two groups.

Table 6

Table 6. The effects of generalized estimating equation model on fear of recurrence, subjective well-being, resilience, and quality of life were tested.

Figure 2

Figure 2. Changes in the scores of the fear of recurrence, subjective well-being, psychological resilience and quality of life of patients were analyzed.

3.4 Impact of the intervention on resilience

Table 7 indicates that at T0 (baseline) and T1, there were no statistically significant differences between the total resilience scores and the scores across the six dimensions (self-management on disease, active response to difficulty, positive cognition, emotional regulation, family support and other patients’ support) when comparing patients in the intervention group to those in the control group (all p > 0.05). At T2, the scores on each dimension and the total score on the scale were found to be significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group. Notably, the positive cognition dimension score (t = 1.994, p = 0.049) and the total score (t = 2.907, p = 0.005) demonstrated significant differences, while no significant differences were observed in the scores of other dimensions (all p > 0.05). At T3, the score for the family support dimension did not show a significant difference between the intervention and control groups (t = 1.917, p = 0.058); however, significant differences were noted in the scores of the additional five dimensions and the total score (all p < 0.05). At T4, statistically significant differences were observed in the total score of psychological resilience and in the scores of each dimension between the two groups (all p < 0.05). Table 6 illustrates significant intergroup effects in the positive cognition dimension scores and the total psychological resilience scores between the two groups (χ² = 4.738, p = 0.032; χ² = 14.353, p < 0.001). Notably, the total resilience score and the scores across six dimensions exhibited significant differences over time (all p < 0.001). The interaction between group and time had statistically significant effects on both the total resilience score and the score for active response to difficulty (χ² = 6.080, p < 0.001; χ² = 2.499, p = 0.048). Figures 2, 3 depict the changes in scores on the Psychological Resilience Scale and six dimensions at various intervention time points for both groups.

Table 7

Table 7. Comparison of psychological resilience scores between the two groups.

Figure 3

Figure 3. Changes in the mean scores of the six dimensions of resilience in patients.

3.5 Impact of the intervention on quality of life

Table 8 illustrates that both bowel and systemic symptoms scores exhibited a gradual increase over time in both groups, with patients in the intervention group displaying slightly higher scores than those in the control group. However, none of the observed differences in changes between the groups reached statistical significance (all p > 0.05). Generalized estimating equations (GEE) presented in Table 6 further corroborate that the differences between the groups were not statistically significant, and there was no significant interaction between group and time regarding bowel symptoms scores (χ² = 1.062, p = 0.306) and systemic symptoms scores (χ² = 0.992, p = 0.319) for the two patient groups (respectively: χ² = 2.344, p = 0.062; χ² = 1.748, p = 0.147). At T2, T3, and T4, significant differences were observed between the two groups concerning scores for emotional competence, social ability, and overall quality of life (all p < 0.05). In the GEE model illustrated in Table 6, the scores for bowel symptoms, systemic symptoms, emotional function, social function, and total quality of life demonstrated significant differences over time (all p < 0.001). Additionally, a statistically significant interaction between group and time was identified for emotional function (χ² = 20.938, p < 0.001), social function (χ² = 7.197, p < 0.001), and the total quality of life score (χ² = 4.035, p = 0.005). Figures 2, 4 depict the changes in quality of life scale scores and the four dimensions of the scale for the two groups across different intervention time points, respectively.

Table 8

Table 8. Comparison of quality of life scores between the two groups.

Figure 4

Figure 4. Changes in the scores of the four dimensions of the quality of life of patients were observed.

4 Discussion

Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) encounter numerous challenges and difficulties (Yu et al., 2021; Paulides et al., 2022). Specifically, they must navigate the unpredictable nature of flare-ups, the chronic and potentially debilitating course of the disease, and the risk of complications such as bowel perforation, constriction and malnutrition (Gecse and Vermeire, 2018). In addition, they regularly experience significant disruptions in their daily functioning, including limitations in physical activity, dietary restrictions and potential impacts on their social and occupational lives. Compared with individuals with other chronic conditions (Mattila et al., 2022; Gleave et al., 2025; Gravina et al., 2025), IBD patients are more prone to experiencing negative emotions such as helplessness, frustration, and self-doubt (Barberio et al., 2021). The constant focus on managing their illness leads to a perception that life is dominated by the disease, which diminishes their ability to live freely as they once did. Furthermore, chronic mental strain can lead to anxiety, depression and other psychological problems that undermine patients’ self-efficacy, reduce their sense of hope, increase feelings of vulnerability and erode their resilience.

This study represents the first randomized controlled trial to implement a positive psychology program based on the PERMA model in patients with IBD. The results showed that the intervention significantly alleviated patients’ fear of relapse, enhanced their psychological resilience, improved their subjective well-being, and ultimately improved their quality of life.

A recent meta-analysis in cancer and other chronic diseases has indicated that positive psychological interventions based on PERMA effectively reduce patients’ fear of relapse, thus supporting the findings of this study (Zhang et al., 2016). The PERMA framework is designed to promote positive emotions and optimism, which enhance patients’ overall perception of life and diminish disease-related fears. During the intervention, training that emphasized the development of close relationships and participation in social activities enabled IBD patients to establish meaningful goals, identify opportunities for personal growth, and strengthen their sense of responsibility to their families and society. Consequently, this approach fosters a more positive outlook on life and relieves the fear of relapse. Furthermore, in the advanced phase, personalized functional exercises and dynamic goal adjustment encourage IBD patients to focus on their strengths, explore their potential, and engage in self-healing practices. Ultimately, this, in turn, lessens the fear of relapse and enhances physical and social functioning. Research has suggested that activities such as progressive relaxation training, walking, and strength training can significantly improve the quality of life while reducing fatigue and stress among IBD patients (Mizrahi et al., 2012; Tiles-Sar et al., 2022; Sabir et al., 2024).

The findings of this study indicate that the experimental group exhibited significantly higher levels of psychological resilience post-intervention compared to the control group, a result consistent with previous research (Sirois and Hirsch, 2017; Sehgal et al., 2021). Therefore, this effect is most likely attributable to positive psychological interventions based on the PERMA model, which emphasizes the patient’s internal experiences and aims to enhance their positive cognitive appraisal of their illness. Specifically, the intervention team conducted a series of structured interviews aimed at correcting negative beliefs, addressing the psychological distress experienced by patients at various stages of their illness. In addition, the team facilitated opportunities for patients to engage in active communication with peers and family members, thereby promoting increased interpersonal relationships, self-esteem and confidence. This comprehensive approach is designed to progressively rectify patients’ misconceptions and negative perceptions related to their illness.

Patients were encouraged to express themselves through face-to-face interviews and written recordings. In addition, they also participated in stimulating activities such as singing aloud, playing chess, and engaging in other positive events. These activities were specifically designed to foster the development of a positive mindset (Yeh et al., 2016; Cano et al., 2020). Therefore, by enhancing beliefs and confidence, this approach aims to reduce symptoms of depression and improve overall mood, ultimately enhancing psychological resilience in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

In recent years, the comprehensive application of positive psychology research has underscored the significance of well-being as a critical metric for assessing the psychological state of individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) post-treatment (Korzenik, 2019). The current study demonstrates that positive psychological interventions grounded in the PERMA model effectively enhance patient well-being, corroborating findings from previous research (Wynne et al., 2019). The PERMA model provides a thorough definition of happiness and delineates five distinct components of well-being: positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning and achievement. Collectively, these measurable factors contribute to an individual’s well-being and can effectively mitigate negative thinking, especially in challenging situations. Additionally, researchers continue to instill hope for recovery in patients with IBD while providing positive incentives and support for their personal attributes. This approach not only rectifies the patient’s perception of negative emotions, but also reduces the self-perceived burden associated with the disease. As a result, it alleviates the fear and anxiety associated with illness, enhances self-esteem, improves self-management, and ultimately enhances overall well-being (Schoultz et al., 2015; Gracie et al., 2017).

The residual symptoms and dysfunction associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), compounded by the fear of disease recurrence, significantly impact patients’ quality of life, which is a crucial indicator of individual well-being. Previous research has explored the effects of positive psychological interventions grounded in the PERMA model on breast cancer patients, with findings affirming that this program can enhance patients’ quality of life and demonstrating promising potential for broader application (Fang et al., 2023). In the current study, the study group exhibited significantly lower post-intervention scores in the overall Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF) compared to the control group. This improvement may be attributed to the enhanced recovery of physical function and psychological status within the study group, achieved through a multifaceted intervention approach. Specifically, social activities and physical exercise significantly facilitated recovery in physical activity, increased patients’ sense of control over their behavior, and facilitated a transition from passive to active engagement in managing their condition (Eckert et al., 2019; Kim et al., 2021). In addition, positive psychological interventions improved patient-family interactions and overall quality of life. Ultimately, these findings suggest that combining social activities, physical exercise, and positive psychological interventions may help alleviate fear of disease progression and recurrence in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), thereby enhancing their quality of life. Future research should explore the applicability and effectiveness of this combined intervention strategy in patients with IBD.

The present study is subject to several limitations that warrant consideration. Firstly, the relatively short duration of the randomized controlled trial limits our ability to sufficiently assess the long-term effects of the intervention. Therefore, future research should include longer follow-up periods to assess the sustained impact of interventions over time. Secondly, the study sample was drawn exclusively from a single tertiary hospital in Wuxi, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to a broader population. Consequently, future investigations should consider multi-center and large-sample clinical trials to enhance the robustness and external validity of the results. Thirdly, the control group in this study received standard care rather than targeted psychological interventions, which limits our ability to directly compare the efficacy of active psychological interventions with other active interventions. Thus, future studies should consider incorporating alternative interventions in the control group to provide a more rigorous assessment of the effectiveness of interventions.

5 Conclusion

The application of positive psychological interventions based on the PERMA model in patients with inflammatory bowel disease has effectively reduced the fear of recurrence, improved psychological resilience, and enhanced patients’ sense of well-being and overall quality of life. Future studies with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods are necessary to validate its long-term impact on the psychological state of patients with this disease.

Data availability statement

The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation.

Ethics statement

The research protocol received approval from the Research Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University (approval number: LS2024231) and was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400085278). Reporting of the present trial follows CONSORT guidelines for randomized pilot and feasibility trials. The studies were conducted in accordance with the local legislation and institutional requirements. The participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study.

Author contributions

YQ: Software, Data curation, Formal analysis, Methodology, Writing – original draft, Investigation, Conceptualization. LM: Validation, Software, Writing – original draft, Data curation, Conceptualization, Investigation. JH: Writing – review & editing, Methodology. LZ: Writing – review & editing, Data curation, Validation. YiL: Writing – review & editing, Software. YX: Validation, Writing – review & editing. LD: Writing – review & editing, Funding acquisition, Visualization. YaL: Resources, Project administration, Writing – review & editing, Supervision. ZS: Supervision, Project administration, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing, Funding acquisition.

Funding

The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article. This research was funded by the “Seedling Cultivation” project of nursing science research at Jiangnan University Affiliated Hospital (HL-25-Z02) and the soft topic of Wuxi Science and Technology Association (KX-25-C082), the Science and Technology Achievements and Appropriate Technology Promotion Project of Wuxi Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning (grant no. T201748), Jiangsu Province Health Vocational and Technical Education Research Project (WJ202311), and “Qinglan Project” of the Young and Middle-aged Academic Leader of Jiangsu College.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank all participants in this study for their support.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Generative AI statement

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