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Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
Body image and self-esteem in somatizing patients
Ozen O Sertoz1, Ozge Doganavsargil, Hayriye Elbi
1Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Division of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey. onensertoz@gmail.com
Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences
|June 18, 2009
Summary
Somatizing patients show lower self-esteem and poorer body image compared to healthy individuals, often linked to depression. Treatment should consider these factors alongside psychiatric comorbidity.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Medical Sociology
Background:
- Somatizing patients often experience dissatisfaction with their physical selves.
- Assessing body image and self-esteem is crucial for understanding the psychological impact on these patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine dissatisfaction with body appearance and functions.
- To assess self-esteem in somatizing patients.
Main Methods:
- Investigated body image and self-esteem in 128 women: 34 with somatoform disorders, 50 post-mastectomy patients, and 44 healthy controls.
- Utilized the Body Cathexis Scale and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale for assessment.
Main Results:
- Somatizing and post-mastectomy patients exhibited poorer body image than healthy controls.
- Self-esteem differences between clinical groups and controls were not significant when controlling for depressive symptoms.
- Depressive symptoms significantly mediated lower self-esteem in somatizing patients.
Conclusions:
- Somatizing patients with body dissatisfaction have lower self-esteem and high depression comorbidity.
- Clinicians should integrate assessments of psychiatric comorbidity, self-esteem, and body image in treatment planning for somatizing patients.
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