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Causal attributions for somatic symptom disorder.
Olaf von dem Knesebeck1, Marco Lehmann2, Bernd Löwe2
1Institute of Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20146 Hamburg, Germany.
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|December 31, 2019
Summary
German public views on somatic symptom disorder (SSD) causes link to treatment beliefs and stigma. Attributing SSD to work stress may enhance perceived psychotherapy effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is a complex condition with varied public perceptions regarding its origins.
- Understanding public beliefs is crucial for addressing stigma and improving treatment engagement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate German public attributions for somatic symptom disorder (SSD).
- To examine the relationship between causal beliefs, treatment attitudes, and stigmatizing views towards SSD.
Main Methods:
- A national telephone survey (N=1004) in Germany utilized vignettes depicting SSD symptoms (pain vs. fatigue, with/without prior somatic disease).
- Respondents rated agreement with five potential causal factors: broken home, heredity, lack of willpower, work stress, and misinterpretation of body signals.
Main Results:
- Work stress was widely accepted (90%) as a cause, particularly for fatigue and in individuals with prior severe somatic disease.
- Lack of willpower was endorsed by a quarter of respondents and linked to increased social distance.
- Attributing SSD to work stress correlated with a positive view of psychotherapy effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Public beliefs about the causes of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) are interconnected with attitudes towards treatment and social stigma.
- Highlighting work stress as a potential cause may foster more positive perceptions of psychotherapy as an effective treatment for SSD.
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