Perceived social support and life satisfaction in persons with somatization disorder

Abstract

Background:Life satisfaction and perceived social support been shown to improve the well-being of a person and also affect the outcome of treatment in somatization disorder. The phenomenon of somatization was explored in relation to the perceived social support and life satisfaction.Aim:This study aimed at investigating perceived social support and life satisfaction in people with somatization disorder.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted on persons having somatization disorder attending the outpatient unit of LGB Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam. Satisfaction with life scale and multidimensional scale of perceived social support were used to assess life satisfaction and perceived social support respectively.Results:Women reported more somatic symptoms than men. Family perceived social support was high in the patient in comparison to significant others’ perceived social support and friends’ perceived social support. Perceived social support showed that a significant positive correlation was found with life satisfaction.Conclusion:Poor social support and low life satisfaction might be a stress response with regard to increased distress severity and psychosocial stressors rather than a cultural response to express psychological problems in somatic terms.

Relationship between Perceived Social Support and Severity of Symptoms in Persons with Somatoform Disorder

“…In the present study, majority of persons with somatoform disorder were Muslims, belonging to rural background, married, un-employed and of lower socio-economic status. These findings are similar to those found in a previously conducted study by Arif Ali et al 11 Similar findings are also reported by Barskey 18 who observed that somatization is more common among those who are of lower socioeconomic status, of rural background and among ethnic groups that discourage the direct expression of emotional distress.…”

“…The mean age of persons with somatoform disorder was 40.55 (SD=9.85) years. Another study 11 found the mean age of persons with somatoform disorder to be 42.33 (SD=6.13) years.…”

“…This finding is consistent with the results of previous studies. 11,16 A physiological difference between males and females is proposed as a cause for it. 17 Accordingly, gender differences in brain function, hormones and reproductive processes were considered as possible factors related to the increased risk to complaint for somatic symptoms in women.…”

“…Social support is thought to serve as a protective factor against environmental stressors. 11 Social support can be perceived from family, friends and from significant others.…”

Perceived social support in adults with autism spectrum disorder and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder

“…Severity in somatization and hyperactive‐impulsive symptoms were also highly ranked predictors ; regressions revealed a positive relation with MSPSS‐ f . High levels of somatization have been frequently found in people with low emotional expression ability [Ali et al, ]. Somatization has been suggested to play a social learned role as an elicitor of interpersonal rewards [Barsky & Klerman, ].…”