RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06866106

Well-being in IBS: Strengths and Happiness (WISH) 2.0

The WISH Intervention for IBS: Feasibility, Preliminary Effects, and Candidate Gut-Brain Mechanisms

Sponsor

Massachusetts General Hospital

Enrollment

50 participants

Start Date

Oct 30, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Summary

The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility, acceptability, preliminary effects, and candidate gut-brain mechanisms of an optimized positive psychology (PP) intervention for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), entitled "WISH," compared to an educational control intervention.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria2

IBS Diagnosis: Adult patients with an IBS diagnosis meeting standardized Rome IV diagnostic criteria.
Language and communication: English fluency and access to a phone.

Exclusion Criteria5

Presence of inflammatory bowel disease or other structural/biochemical primary gastrointestinal illness that better explains IBS-like symptoms: As reported by the patient, their physician, and/or documented in the medical record.
Severe psychiatric illness: Current manic episode, psychosis, or active substance use disorder diagnosed via the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI).
Cognitive impairment: Assessed using a six-item cognitive screen developed for research.
Presence of atrial fibrillation or a cardiac pacemaker, or daily use of beta blocking medication: As reported by the patient and/or documented in the medical record.
Plans to start or participate in another new behavioral health intervention or psychotherapy during the study period.

Interested in this trial?

Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALPositive Psychology (PP) Intervention

This is an adapted, optimized, phone-based, 9-week positive psychology (PP) intervention. Participants will complete 9 weekly phone sessions (30 minutes each) with a study interventionist in which they will review PP exercises that they have independently completed in between phone sessions. The PP exercises will be completed in a treatment manual that describes the PP exercise and provides space to write about the exercise and its effects, and to answer associated questions. A total of 9 sessions will be completed over the course of the program.

BEHAVIORALEducational Intervention

This is an educational intervention that will match the PP intervention in terms of both time and attention. Participants will complete 9 weekly phone sessions (30 minutes each) with a study interventionist in which they will review educational exercises that they have independently completed in between phone sessions. The exercises will be completed in a treatment manual that describes the exercise and provides space to write about the exercise and its effects, and to answer associated questions. A total of 9 sessions will be completed over the course of the program.