Self-perception and adjustment to Crohn's disease in emerging and young adults: The clinical and psychosocial associated factors

Objectives. -Crohn's disease is often declared in early adulthood, between 15 and 30 years old, a period marked by important psychosocial transitions. Yet, the diagnosis' impact during this sensitive developmental period remains little explored. The aim was to assess whether self-perception and adjustment to illness differ depending on age (emerging adults versus young adults) and time since diagnosis (< 2 years vs > 2 years), and explore associations between self-perception, clinical and psychosocial variables. Method. -In this cross-sectional study, participants were emerging adults (18-25 years old) and young adults (26-35 years old) with Crohn's disease, recruited via an association and communities of patients online. They answered an online survey assessing their disease activity, illness perception, coping strategies, social support and self-perception.