Framing resilience and coping skills as “superpowers”
Written by Anna Katherine Black, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
GI Psychology
Living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as a kid can be hard. Sometimes your stomach hurts, you might need to use the bathroom more often, or you might miss school and fun activities. But here’s something important to remember: kids with IBD often discover special strengths—like bravery, flexibility, and persistence—that are just like superhero powers.
Doctors and scientists agree that IBD is not easy—but kids who face it often show resilience far beyond their years.
What Is IBD in Simple Terms?
IBD includes two main conditions:
- Crohn’s disease: inflammation can affect any part of the digestive tract.
- Ulcerative colitis: inflammation affects the large intestine (colon).
IBD happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the digestive system, causing inflammation. This can lead to stomach pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and sometimes needing medicines or special treatments.
IBD is different from a stomach bug. It’s not something you “catch,” and it’s not your fault.
Superpower #1: Bravery
Every time you face a doctor’s appointment, blood test, or flare-up, you’re practicing bravery.
Kid Tip:
When you feel nervous before a medical test, try this superhero trick: close your eyes, take three slow breaths, and imagine wearing a cape that makes you feel strong.
Research shows that kids who use coping tools like deep breathing or guided imagery feel less stress and more control when dealing with IBD (Rutten et al., 2017).
Superpower #2: Flexibility
Living with IBD means plans sometimes change. Maybe you miss a birthday party or need extra rest instead of soccer practice. This teaches flexibility—the ability to adapt.
Kid Tip:
If you have to change plans, make a “backup fun list” with activities you enjoy at home—like drawing, playing a favorite game, or video chatting with a friend.
The American Psychological Association (APA, 2020) highlights flexibility as a key part of resilience—helping kids bounce back when life doesn’t go as expected.
Superpower #3: Persistence
IBD doesn’t stop you from reaching goals—it just means the path may take extra steps. Persistence means keeping going, even when things are hard.
Kid Tip:
Celebrate small wins. Whether it’s finishing homework after a tough day or showing up to practice even if you feel tired, those moments show true strength.
Studies show that kids with IBD who learn persistence through coping skills and therapy can enjoy better quality of life and less stress (Chen et al., 2021).
How Families and Friends Can Support Superhero Stomachs
- Parents: Remind your child of their strengths, not just their symptoms.
- Friends: Ask how you can help—sometimes just listening is enough.
- Teachers: Give kids private bathroom passes and support when they miss class.
IBD doesn’t take away a child’s identity. It adds layers of courage, adaptability, and determination that make them stronger. conditions are not missed, and treatment can begin quickly.
Takeaways
Having IBD as a kid isn’t easy—but it often reveals hidden superpowers like bravery, flexibility, and persistence. With the right care and support, kids can live full and exciting lives beyond IBD.
If you or your child are looking for support, a gut-brain therapist can help kids practice these strengths and manage IBD with confidence.
- Printable resources and educational support
- Schedule a consultation with our team to see how GI Psychology can support your child and family
- Reach out directly: admin@gipsychology.com
References
American Psychological Association. (2020). Resilience in children and teens. https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience/children-teens
Chen, E., Sweeney, L., Khan, S., et al. (2021). Efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 46(7), 800–812. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/jsab037
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. (2022). Pediatric IBD resources. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org
Rome Foundation. (2021). Rome IV diagnostic criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders. https://theromefoundation.org
Rutten, J. M. T. M., Vlieger, A. M., Frankenhuis, C., George, E. K., Groeneweg, M., Norbruis, O. F., Tjon A Ten, W., van Wering, H. M., Dijkgraaf, M. G. W., Merkus, M. P., & Benninga, M. A. (2017). Home-Based Hypnotherapy Self-exercises vs Individual Hypnotherapy With a Therapist for Treatment of Pediatric Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Functional Abdominal Pain, or Functional Abdominal Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA pediatrics, 171(5), 470–477. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.0091