Somatic manifestation of distress: clinical medicine, psychological, and public health perspectives

The Association of Body Image Perceptions with Behavioral and Health Outcomes among Young Adults

This study was conducted on 5 March 2024, by the Universidad Europea de Madrid. This study aims to explore how body image perceptions influence health behaviors and mental and physical health outcomes among a specific group of 605 young adults aged 20 to 35 engaged in strength training regimes. To measure these perceptions, the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) was employed, an advanced tool that assesses multiple dimensions of body image through its subscales, including feelings of physical attractiveness, investment in one's appearance, and satisfaction with different body areas. Participants were segmented into two groups based on a median split of their self-reported body image. The survey assessed a diverse array of variables, including demographic details, physiological data, resistance training routines, and psychological attributes. In this revision, we consistently use the term 'dietary habits' to ensure clear and uniform language when discussing eating patterns. Notable differences were observed in dietary habits and exercise engagement, influenced significantly by body image perceptions. Negative body image was linked to less healthy dietary habits, diminished physical activity, and worse psychological outcomes, such as increased anxiety and depression. Conversely, a positive body image was associated with healthier dietary habits, more frequent physical activity, and better psychological health. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving body image could be crucial for enhancing overall health within this specific demographic. Due to the non-representative nature of the study group, conclusions are cautiously presented as applicable only to similar populations engaged in strength training. This study underscores the need for holistic strategies that encourage positive body image to improve both physical and psychological health outcomes in young adults.

Loneliness and happiness in the face of the COVID-19 lockdown: Examining the pathways through somatic symptoms and psychological distress

Studies show that loneliness was higher during the pandemic than in the pre-pandemic periods, with negative consequences on individual happiness. This study extends current knowledge by investigating the indirect effects of somatic symptoms and psychological distress in the loneliness-happiness relationship during the COVID-19 lockdown. The cross-sectional sample comprises 538 Nigerian adults (Meanage = 36.48 ± 12.03) with 43% females. Data were collected using structured self-report instruments and subjected to path analyses in SPSS AMOS. Results showed that loneliness and happiness were negatively related. Loneliness and happiness were indirectly related through the successive association between somatic symptoms and psychological distress. Specifically, greater loneliness was associated with increased somatic symptoms, which in turn were associated with greater psychological distress and reduced happiness levels. Clinicians can manage the decline in happiness from loneliness during the pandemic lockdown by administering treatments that mitigate somatic symptoms and psychological distress in concerned clients.

Perceived racial discrimination, psychosomatic symptoms, and resilience among Black individuals in Canada: A moderated mediation model

OBJECTIVE

Although no study has explored psychosomatic symptoms in Black communities in Canada, several studies in the United States showed that psychological distress is often express as physical pain among African Americans. Using a cross-sectional design, the present study documents the frequency of psychosomatic symptoms and its association to racial discrimination, and resilience among Black individuals aged 15 to 40 in Canada.

METHOD

A total of 860 participants (M_age = 25.0 years, SD = 6.3), predominantly born in Canada (79.1%) and women (75.6%), completed the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (somatization subscale), the Everyday Discrimination Scale, and the Resilience Scale-14.

RESULTS

Findings revealed that 81.7% of participants experienced psychosomatic symptoms, with higher prevalence among women (84.2%) compared to men (70.7%;), ꭓ² = 21.5, p < .001; participants aged 25 to 40 years old (93.7%) compared to those aged 15-24 years old (75.2%) (ꭓ² = 45.0, p < .001). Participants reporting greater racial discrimination had more psychosomatic symptoms (89.4%) compared to others (72.9%), ꭓ² = 39.2, p < .001). A moderated mediation model showed that everyday racial discrimination was positively associated with psychosomatic symptoms (B = 0.1, SE = 0.01, p < .001). The model showed that the association between racial discrimination and psychosomatic symptoms was partially mediated by resilience (B = -0.01, SE = 0.0, p < .01), and negatively moderated by gender (B = -0.04, SE = 0.01, p < .01). In other words, being a woman is associated with higher levels of psychosomatic symptoms among those who have experienced racial discrimination.

CONCLUSION

By highlighting the association between racial discrimination and psychosomatic symptoms and the role of resilience and gender in this relation, this article reveals important factors to integrate to improve healthcare services, prevention, and interventions among Black individuals with psychosomatic symptoms.

"I am pregnant. Am I different?": Psychopathology, psychological stress and hair cortisol levels among pregnant and non-pregnant women

Pregnancy is a life process that brings about a series of associated changes, both physical and psychological, in women. The psychopathological changes occurring in pregnant women due to the simple fact of this new vital stage are unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the psychopathological symptoms present during pregnancy with those present in non-pregnant women, as well as the perceived stress and hair cortisol levels. For this, a group of non-pregnant women (n = 171) were compared with pregnant women who were in the first trimester (n = 124), second trimester (n = 200) and third trimester (n = 190). Moreover, 77 women were followed up to verify their psychopathological course of pregnancy. Differences were found between pregnant and non-pregnant women relating to a wide range of psychopathological symptoms, perceived stress and hair cortisol levels. The symptoms were greater in the group of pregnant women. By studying different types of psychopathological symptoms associated with pregnancy, it is possible to assign psychological interventions to given characteristics of pregnant women. In addition, we can broaden our knowledge about the psychological aspects of pregnancy and the changes associated with it.