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Development of the somatic response survey.
1Arts and Sciences, Rhode Island College, Providence 02908.
Psychological Reports
|June 1, 1991
Summary
The Somatic Response Survey assesses normal physical responses to stress. It identifies four key patterns: Gastrointestinal, Musculoskeletal, Temperature-Sweating, and Cardio-Respiratory, offering a validated tool for research and clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Psychological Science
- Health Psychology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Existing instruments were inadequate for assessing normal somatic responses to stress.
- A need existed for a psychometrically sound, self-report measure.
- Somatic responses are common during stressful situations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the Somatic Response Survey (SRS).
- To create a reliable self-report instrument for assessing physical responses to stress.
- To identify distinct patterns of somatic responses.
Main Methods:
- Conducted three studies with 1623 college students.
- Utilized factor analysis for data reduction and validation.
- Standardized the Somatic Response Survey.
Main Results:
- Identified four primary factors: Gastrointestinal, Musculoskeletal, Temperature-Sweating, and Cardio-Respiratory.
- These factors explained 91% of the variance.
- The survey demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency.
Conclusions:
- The Somatic Response Survey is a psychometrically sound instrument.
- It effectively assesses normal somatic response patterns to stress.
- The SRS is applicable in both research and clinical settings.