The gut–brain connection refers to communication between the brain and gastrointestinal (GI) system. Disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI) are characterized by GI symptoms that accompany distress and disability. Epidemiological research has suggested DGBI rates in emerging adults are increasing. This study investigated the relationship between GI health, distress, and disability in emerging adults across time. Emerging adults were recruited. A repeated-measure design with a 1-month time lag was used to collect data via an online survey (N = 861) across five academic semesters (Spring 2019 to Summer 2020). Measurement equivalence across time was established and a cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) was specified. Distress at Time 1 predicted GI symptoms at Time 2 (β = .206, SE = .084, p < .05). GI symptoms at Time 1 predicted disability at Time 2 (β = .117, SE = .039, p < .01). Higher disability at Time 1 predicted distress at Time 2 (β = .092, SE = .027, p < .01). The cross-lagged design offers stronger causal inferences than cross-sectional studies used to study the effects of GI symptoms. Findings provide initial evidence of a directional pathway between brain and gut rather than a bidirectional network. Findings highlight the importance of psychogastroenterology.

中文翻译：

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新兴成人胃肠道症状、心理困扰和残疾之间的交叉滞后分析

肠-脑连接是指大脑和胃肠 (GI) 系统之间的交流。肠脑相互作用障碍 (DGBI) 的特征是伴随痛苦和残疾的 GI 症状。流行病学研究表明，新兴成年人的 DGBI 率正在增加。本研究调查了新兴成年人的胃肠道健康、痛苦和残疾之间的关系。招募了新兴成年人。使用具有 1 个月时滞的重复测量设计，通过在线调查 ( N  = 861) 收集五个学期（2019 年春季至 2020 年夏季）的数据。建立了跨时间的测量等效性，并指定了交叉滞后面板模型（CLPM）。时间 1 的痛苦预测时间 2 的 GI 症状 ( β  = .206,SE  = .084，p  < .05）。时间 1 的 GI 症状预测时间 2 的残疾 ( β  = .117, SE  = .039, p  < .01)。时间 1 的更高残疾预示时间 2 的痛苦（β  = .092，SE  = .027，p  < .01）。与用于研究 GI 症状影响的横断面研究相比，交叉滞后设计提供了更强的因果推论。研究结果提供了大脑和肠道之间的定向通路而不是双向网络的初步证据。研究结果强调了心理胃肠病学的重要性。