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The factor structure of self-reported physical stress reactions
Biofeedback and Self-Regulation
|March 1, 1982
Summary
This study identified 18 physical stress reaction factors in 1,210 participants. Gastric distress was the most prominent factor, with similar patterns observed between genders, though some differences in cardiorespiratory activity were noted.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychosomatic Medicine
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Physical stress reactions are common but their underlying structures are not fully understood.
- A comprehensive understanding of stress responses is crucial for psychosomatic symptom research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize distinct factors of physical stress reactions using factor analysis.
- To explore potential gender differences in the manifestation of physical stress responses.
Main Methods:
- A self-report questionnaire assessing 98 physical stress reactions was administered to 1,210 subjects.
- Factor analysis was employed to determine the underlying structure of the reported stress reactions.
Main Results:
- Eighteen interpretable factors were identified in the combined sample.
- Gastric Distress emerged as the most prominent factor, explaining a significant portion of the variance.
- Factor structures were largely similar between males and females, with notable differences in the definition of Cardiorespiratory Activity.
Conclusions:
- The findings support a behavioral conceptualization of psychosomatic symptoms.
- The identified factors offer insights into the multifaceted nature of physical stress responses and have clinical implications.