Predictive Factors for Somatization in Trauma Survivors
Author Information
Author(s): Elklit Ask, Christiansen Dorte M
Primary Institution: Department of Psychology, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
Hypothesis
What psychological risk factors may predispose trauma victims to develop somatoform symptoms?
Conclusion
Negative affectivity and feelings of incompetence significantly predicted somatization in the trauma sample, while PTSD was mediated by negative affectivity.
Supporting Evidence
- Negative affectivity explained 42% of the variance in somatization.
- PTSD severity lost significance when controlling for negative affectivity.
- Feeling incompetent was the only factor that remained significant after controlling for negative affectivity.
Takeaway
People who feel negative emotions and incompetent are more likely to have unexplained physical symptoms after experiencing trauma.
Methodology
The study used multiple linear regression analyses to assess the predictive values of various psychological factors on somatization in a sample of trauma survivors.
Potential Biases
The sample consisted of individuals from a similar ethnic and socioeconomic background, limiting generalizability.
Limitations
The study used combined measures for various psychological constructs, which may not capture the nuances of each variable adequately.
Participant Demographics
The sample included 169 adult men and women affected by a firework factory explosion, with ages ranging from 18 to 95 years and a mean age of 50.2 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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