Table 4 Factor analysis of the Japanese version of the Visceral Sensitivity Index

1

I worry that whenever I eat during the day, bloating and distension in my belly will get worse.

0.53

0.61

2

I get anxious when I go to a new restaurant.

0.42

0.52

3

I often worry about problems in my belly.

0.72

0.78

4

I have a difficult time enjoying myself because I cannot get my mind off of discomfort in my belly.

0.74

0.79

5

I often fear that I won’t be able to have a normal bowel movement.

0.77

0.79

6

Because of fear of developing abdominal discomfort, I seldom try new foods.

0.56

0.62

7

No matter what I eat, I will probably feel uncomfortable.

0.62

0.66

8

As soon as I feel abdominal discomfort I begin to worry and feel anxious.

0.82

0.82

9

When I enter a place I haven’t been before, one of the first things I do is to look for a bathroom.

0.58

0.62

10

I am constantly aware of the feelings I have in my belly.

0.83

0.82

11

I often feel discomfort in my belly could be a sign of a serious illness.

0.81

0.80

12

As soon as I awake, I worry that I will have discomfort in my belly during the day.

0.82

0.81

13

When I feel discomfort in my belly, it frightens me.

0.82

0.82

14

In stressful situations, my belly bothers me a lot.

0.68

0.72

15

I constantly think about what is happening inside my belly.

0.81

0.80

Eigenvalue

8.18

Variance (%)

54.56