The Relationship Between Emotional Suppression and Fear of Intimacy and the Manifestation of Psychosomatic Symptoms in Individuals With Psychosomatic Symptoms

Zahra Latifi; Sirvan Asmaee Majd

Authors

Zahra Latifi Department of Psychology, La.C., Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9451-3224
Sirvan Asmaee Majd Department of Psychology , La.C., Islamic Azad University , Lahijan , Iran https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1428-7175

Keywords:

emotional suppression, fear of intimacy, psychosomatic symptoms

Abstract

The present study investigated the relationship between emotional suppression and fear of intimacy and the manifestation of psychosomatic symptoms in individuals with psychosomatic symptoms. In terms of its purpose, this study was applied research; in terms of the type of data, it was quantitative; and in terms of its nature, it employed a descriptive-correlational design. The statistical population consisted of individuals presenting with psychosomatic symptoms whose symptoms had been confirmed by psychologists at the selected centers. Given that the population size was considered unlimited, 30 participants were selected for each variable, yielding a total sample of 120 participants, using convenience sampling. To measure the study variables, the Emotional Suppression Questionnaire developed by Weinberger (1979), the Fear of Intimacy Scale developed by Descutner and Thelen (1991), and the Psychosomatic Symptoms Questionnaire developed by Lacourt et al. (2013) were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, Spearman's correlation coefficient, and stepwise regression analysis. The results indicated a significant relationship between emotional suppression and the manifestation of psychosomatic symptoms among individuals with psychosomatic symptoms (p < .05). A significant relationship was also found between fear of intimacy and the manifestation of psychosomatic symptoms in these individuals. Moreover, emotional suppression and fear of intimacy significantly predicted the manifestation of psychosomatic symptoms among individuals with psychosomatic symptoms (p < .05). In summary, individuals characterized by a constitutionally based behavioral inhibition system may interpret potentially threatening future events as ambiguous stimuli. This process may increase fear and emotional suppression, contribute to the manifestation of avoidant behaviors, and ultimately lead to psychosomatic symptoms in individuals who are prone to such symptoms.

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