Is somatization affected by self-construal? A cross-sectional study with 120 psychiatric outpatients in two regions...

The significant role of cultural influences on self-construction is also reflected in how individuals experience and express psychological distress. Somatization, the display of mental issues through physical symptoms, is less common in cultures with an autonomous self-construal typical of Western societies. While Turkey is traditionally considered a relational-collectivist society, Western Turkey exhibits higher levels of autonomous self-construal due to Westernization and economic growth. Our study explored how self-construal affects somatization in Bursa (west) and Mardin (east). Clinicians will thus, take more care of the symptoms of mental distress in patients from different cultures.

One hundred twenty consecutive patients were selected from those who applied to psychiatry outpatient clinics in Bursa and Mardin. Sociodemographic data form, the Autonomic-Relational Self-Scale (ARSS), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-53), and Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research (DCPR). were applied to patients who volunteered to participate in the study.

Results showed higher somatization in Mardin and more disease phobia in Bursa. In the autonomy and relatedness dimensions of the self, autonomy was significantly higher in the Bursa group.

These results support the idea that a relational self-construal is linked to more somatization. A negative correlation between somatization and factors like interpersonal sensitivity, anxiety, and autonomy suggests that an independent self-construal might protect against somatization. The study also emphasizes the role of cultural context in mental health.