A follow-up study about self-acceptance and automatic thoughts in permanent colostomy patients

Abstract

Objective To explore the dynamic changes and correlation of self-acceptance and automatic thoughts in permanent colostomy patients. Methods There were 89 low position rectal cancer patients after Miles and permanent colostomy were recruited from the Department of Oncological Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong UniversityfromFebruary 2016 to October 2016. Self-acceptance Questionnaire and Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire were used to collect data in 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after colostomy. Results The self-acceptance scores were 33.64±5.52, 33.24±5.71, 34.56±6.04 and 38.91±6.33 respectively, which had significant differences (F=11.012, P<0.01). The automatic thoughts scores were 63.20±16.78, 60.88±16.53, 58.64±15.87 and 55.32±14.76 respectively, which had significant differences (F=3.462, P<0.05). The correlation between self-acceptance and automatic thoughts were -0.576- -0.372, which were all significant (P<0.01). Conclusion There were negative correlations between self-acceptance and automatic thoughts in permanent colostomy patients within 1 year after operation. Health professionals should learn to identify patients′ automatic thoughts accurately, lead off negative emotions, promote early self-acceptance and improve their quality of life. Key words: Colostomy; Self-acceptance; Automatic thoughts; Follow-up study