Document Type : Original Article
Authors
- . Mozhgan Falahatdoost
- . Behrouz Dolatshahi 1
- . Abbas Pourshahbaz
- . Mahmoud Dehghani 2
- . Mohsen Nouri Yalguzaghaji
- . Zahra Mohammadi 2
1 Department of Clinical Psychology, Substance Abuse and Dependence Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences
2 Department of Clinical Psychology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: In spite of our general knowledge about psychological roots and defects of
developmental processes in the formation of somatic symptoms, the effect of the interaction of
developmental components with cognitive‑emotional variables is unclear. Previous researches
suggest that individuals with insecure attachment may have a higher risk to experience of somatic
symptoms. The main aim of this study is “Modeling the Relationship between Attachment Styles and
Somatic Symptoms with the Mediating Role of Emotional Processing.”
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a descriptive‑correlational study. Two hundred and
twenty individuals aged 18–59 years living in Tehran were selected by available sampling from
the general population. Collins and Reed’s Adult Attachment Scale, Baker’s Emotional Processing
Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire were used to collecting data. Data analysis was performed
by Pearson correlation and independent t‑test. The conceptual model presented in this study was
tested with a path analysis approach.
RESULTS: Given the Chi‑squared size (² = 1.214; P > 0.05), it can be said that the proposed
conceptual model fits well with the observed model. Besides, checking the other absolute and relative
indices also shows a very good fit of the model.
CONCLUSION: Our results showed that when the reciprocal effects of attachment styles were
controlled, secure attachment could be considered as a protective factor against deficits in emotional
processing and somatization of negative emotions. On the other hand, we found that when the
dominant attachment style in individuals was anxiety based, it could be possible that they experience
deficiency in the processing of emotion and more severe somatic symptoms.
Keywords
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