Neuroticism and Somatic Complaints: Concomitant Effects of Rumination and Worry. Issue 4 (7th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Denovan, Andrew; Dagnall, Neil; Lofthouse, George
• Is Part Of: Behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy. Volume 47:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 431
• Page End: 445
• Publication Date: 2018-11-07
• Subjects: mediation analysis, -- neuroticism, -- rumination, -- somatic complaints, -- worry; Behavior therapy -- Periodicals; 616.89142
• DOI: 10.1017/S1352465818000619
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-4658

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Neuroticism is associated with inflated somatic symptom reporting. Worry and rumination are a cognitive concomitant of neuroticism and potentially mediate the neuroticism–somatic complaint relationship. Aims: The present study examined the degree to which worry and rumination mediated the relationship between neuroticism and somatic complaints. Method: A sample of 170 volunteers, recruited via convenience sampling, took part. Participants completed a series of self-report measures: the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised-Short Form, Penn State Worry Questionnaire, the Ruminative Response Scale and the Somatic Symptom Scale-8. Results: Analysis revealed significant positive correlations between neuroticism, rumination and worry. Neuroticism, rumination and worry also correlated positively with somatic complaints. Using structural equation modelling, a mediational model indicated that rumination fully mediated the relationship between neuroticism and somatic complaints. Conclusions: Findings are consistent with the symptom perception hypothesis and have implications for healthcare in terms of managing individuals who present with multiple somatic complaints. Future research would benefit from adopting a longitudinal approach to test how rumination interacts with neuroticism and somatic complaints over time.