Journal of Personality and Psychosomatic Research (JPPR)

This study aims to explore the psychosomatic effects of perfectionism in patients suffering from chronic tension-type headaches (CTTH). By examining the experiences and perceptions of individuals with CTTH, the research seeks to understand how perfectionistic tendencies influence headache symptoms, coping strategies, and overall quality of life. A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 27 participants diagnosed with CTTH and exhibiting high levels of perfectionism. Participants were recruited from various healthcare settings, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using NVivo software. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes and subthemes related to the psychosomatic interplay between perfectionism and CTTH. Four main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Personal definitions and perceptions of perfectionism, highlighting high self-imposed standards and external pressures; (2) Experiences of CTTH and its impact on daily life, revealing significant physical, emotional, and social impairments; (3) Coping strategies and perceived relationships between perfectionism and headache episodes, including both adaptive and maladaptive mechanisms; and (4) Emotional and psychological responses to headache management and perfectionistic tendencies, emphasizing the complex emotional burden and the need for holistic treatment approaches. Participants reported increased headache severity during periods of stress and utilized various strategies, such as mindfulness and cognitive reframing, to manage their symptoms. The study underscores the intricate relationship between perfectionism and CTTH, highlighting the need for integrated treatment approaches that address both physical and psychological aspects. By understanding the role of perfectionism in exacerbating headache symptoms, healthcare providers can develop more effective, holistic treatment plans that improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

This study aims to explore the psychosomatic responses to stress in individuals with Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD). The research utilized a qualitative design, employing semi-structured interviews with 16 individuals diagnosed with AvPD. Participants were recruited from mental health clinics and support groups specializing in personality disorders. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using NVivo software. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns and themes in the data, focusing on participants' perceptions of stress, psychosomatic symptoms, and coping mechanisms. Ethical considerations included obtaining informed consent and ensuring confidentiality. The study identified three main themes: perceptions of stress, psychosomatic symptoms, and coping mechanisms. Participants described stress as overwhelming pressure and emotional burden, with key triggers being social interactions, performance expectations, criticism, and uncertainty. Psychosomatic symptoms included physical manifestations like headaches and muscle tension, emotional reactions such as anxiety and depression, cognitive impairments, behavioral symptoms, and heightened sensory responses. Coping mechanisms varied, with adaptive strategies including seeking support and problem-solving, and maladaptive strategies such as substance use and isolation. Barriers to effective coping included stigma and lack of resources. The findings highlight the significant impact of stress on both psychological and physical health in individuals with AvPD. The study underscores the need for comprehensive assessment and treatment strategies that address psychosomatic symptoms. Future research should focus on larger and more diverse samples, longitudinal studies, and objective measures of stress. Clinical practice should integrate cognitive-behavioral therapy and promote adaptive coping strategies to enhance the well-being of individuals with AvPD.

This study aimed to explore how personality traits influence individuals' experiences and interpretations of physical symptoms. This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with 29 participants recruited through online platforms. Theoretical saturation guided data collection, ensuring comprehensive exploration of symptom perception variations. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis with NVivo software. The study identified key themes related to emotional responses, cognitive interpretations, behavioral tendencies, and the role of personality traits in shaping symptom perception. The results indicated that neuroticism was associated with heightened symptom sensitivity, emotional amplification, and increased health anxiety, whereas conscientious individuals exhibited structured symptom monitoring and proactive health behaviors. Extraverted participants were more likely to express symptoms openly and seek social reassurance, while introverted individuals internalized their distress and engaged in self-directed coping. Cognitive patterns varied, with some individuals engaging in logical symptom analysis while others exhibited anxiety-driven health rumination and negative interpretation biases. Stress and psychological distress reinforced symptom perception, contributing to a bidirectional relationship between emotional states and physical symptoms. Behavioral responses to symptoms included frequent medical reassurance-seeking, avoidance behaviors, and reliance on alternative health approaches, demonstrating the diverse ways personality shapes health-related decision-making. The findings highlight the critical role of personality in shaping symptom experiences and interpretation, underscoring the need for personalized healthcare approaches. Understanding personality-related differences in symptom perception can inform tailored interventions that address cognitive biases, emotional responses, and behavioral tendencies.

This study aimed to explore the psychological and somatic dimensions of neuroticism through a qualitative approach. This qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews with 24 participants recruited through online platforms. A phenomenological approach was employed to capture the lived experiences of individuals exhibiting neurotic traits, with data collection continuing until theoretical saturation was achieved. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo software, following an iterative thematic analysis process involving open, axial, and selective coding to identify core themes related to neuroticism’s psychological and somatic dimensions. Thematic analysis revealed three primary themes: psychological dimensions, somatic manifestations, and coping and behavioral adaptations. Participants reported significant emotional dysregulation, including heightened anxiety, excessive worry, and cognitive rumination. They also exhibited somatic symptoms such as chronic physical tension, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal complaints. Maladaptive coping strategies, including avoidance behaviors, reassurance-seeking, and emotional eating, were prevalent, although some participants engaged in adaptive techniques such as mindfulness and cognitive reframing. The results underscored the complex interplay between neuroticism’s psychological and physiological aspects, contributing to persistent distress and functional impairment. The findings highlight the pervasive impact of neuroticism on emotional, cognitive, and somatic functioning, reinforcing its role as a significant risk factor for psychological distress and health-related concerns. Understanding the lived experiences of individuals with high neurotic traits provides valuable insights for developing targeted interventions focused on emotion regulation, stress management, and adaptive coping mechanisms to mitigate neuroticism’s adverse effects.

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the relationships between academic procrastination, intrusive thoughts, and self-compassion among university students. This research aimed to determine whether intrusive thoughts and self-compassion can predict academic procrastination behaviors. This cross-sectional study included 302 university students selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie (1970) sample size determination table. Participants completed self-report measures, including the Academic Procrastination Scale (APS), White Bear Suppression Inventory (WBSI), and Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and linear regression analyses to examine the relationships between the variables. IBM SPSS Statistics version 27 was utilized for data analysis. The results indicated significant correlations between academic procrastination, intrusive thoughts, and self-compassion. Academic procrastination was positively correlated with intrusive thoughts (r = 0.48, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with self-compassion (r = -0.35, p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that intrusive thoughts (β = 0.41, p < 0.001) and self-compassion (β = -0.29, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of academic procrastination, explaining 34% of the variance in procrastination behaviors (R² = 0.34). This study highlights the significant roles of intrusive thoughts and self-compassion in academic procrastination. Intrusive thoughts increase the likelihood of procrastination, while self-compassion acts as a protective factor, reducing procrastination tendencies. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at reducing intrusive thoughts and enhancing self-compassion may be effective in mitigating academic procrastination. Future research should explore longitudinal and intervention-based studies to further understand and address this issue.

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationships between health information seeking, healthcare satisfaction, and health optimism among adults. Specifically, the study aimed to determine how health information seeking and healthcare satisfaction predict health optimism. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 194 participants recruited through convenience sampling from various community health centers. Data were collected using standardized tools: the Health Optimism Scale, the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), and the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire Short-Form (PSQ-18). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and linear regression analysis were conducted using SPSS-27 to examine the relationships between the variables and to assess the predictive power of health information seeking and healthcare satisfaction on health optimism. Descriptive statistics revealed a mean health optimism score of 3.85 (SD = 0.75), a mean health information seeking score of 4.12 (SD = 0.68), and a mean healthcare satisfaction score of 3.96 (SD = 0.82). Pearson correlation analysis indicated a moderate positive correlation between health information seeking and health optimism (r = 0.42, p < 0.001) and a stronger positive correlation between healthcare satisfaction and health optimism (r = 0.56, p < 0.001). The regression analysis showed that both health information seeking (B = 0.32, SE = 0.09, β = 0.34, t = 3.67, p < 0.001) and healthcare satisfaction (B = 0.47, SE = 0.08, β = 0.45, t = 5.88, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of health optimism, explaining 40% of the variance (R² = 0.40, p < 0.001). This study demonstrates that both health information seeking and healthcare satisfaction significantly contribute to health optimism among adults. Healthcare satisfaction has a slightly stronger influence on health optimism. These findings underscore the importance of improving health information accessibility and the quality of healthcare services to enhance health outcomes and patients' positive health outlook.

This study aims to investigate the relationships between workplace stress, workplace resilience, and team cohesion. The primary objective is to determine the extent to which workplace resilience and team cohesion predict workplace stress among employees in various industries. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 299 participants recruited from diverse occupational backgrounds. Data were collected using standardized self-administered questionnaires, including the Job Stress Survey (JSS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ). Descriptive statistics were computed for all variables. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the bivariate relationships between workplace stress and each independent variable. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictive roles of workplace resilience and team cohesion on workplace stress. All analyses were performed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics revealed mean scores of 45.23 (SD = 8.71) for workplace stress, 74.56 (SD = 10.32) for workplace resilience, and 68.91 (SD = 9.45) for team cohesion. Pearson correlation analysis indicated significant negative correlations between workplace stress and both workplace resilience (r = -0.63, p < .001) and team cohesion (r = -0.56, p < .001). The regression model was significant (F(2, 296) = 145.36, p < .001), with an R² of 0.50. Workplace resilience (B = -0.45, p < .001) and team cohesion (B = -0.38, p < .001) were significant predictors of workplace stress, indicating that higher resilience and cohesion are associated with lower stress levels. The findings suggest that workplace resilience and team cohesion significantly contribute to reducing workplace stress. Enhancing these factors through targeted interventions can help mitigate stress and improve employee well-being. Organizations should consider implementing resilience training programs and fostering a supportive team environment to promote a healthier, more productive workforce.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on resilience, happiness, and ambiguity tolerance in mothers of children with autism. The present research is applied in nature and employs a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, follow-up, and a control group. The statistical population of this study consists of all mothers of children with autism in the city of Rasht who visited the Gilan Autism Support Charity in 2023. A sample of 30 participants was purposefully selected. The intervention consisted of eight 90-minute sessions of MBCT training conducted in groups, twice a week, based on the method of Kabat-Zinn (2003). To collect data, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (2003), the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (1989), and the McLain Ambiguity Tolerance Scale (2009) were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. The results indicated that the MBCT intervention led to an increase in resilience and happiness scores in mothers of children with autism, but no improvement was observed in ambiguity tolerance scores. Given that resilience skills can be learned and that psychological interventions, including MBCT, can improve resilience by reducing negative emotions and fostering positive emotions, MBCT, through combining vitality and clear perception of experiences, can create positive changes in happiness.

This study aims to explore the psychosomatic effects of perfectionism in patients suffering from chronic tension-type headaches (CTTH). By examining the experiences and perceptions of individuals with CTTH, the research seeks to understand how perfectionistic tendencies influence headache symptoms, coping strategies, and overall quality of life. A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 27 participants diagnosed with CTTH and exhibiting high levels of perfectionism. Participants were recruited from various healthcare settings, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using NVivo software. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes and subthemes related to the psychosomatic interplay between perfectionism and CTTH. Four main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Personal definitions and perceptions of perfectionism, highlighting high self-imposed standards and external pressures; (2) Experiences of CTTH and its impact on daily life, revealing significant physical, emotional, and social impairments; (3) Coping strategies and perceived relationships between perfectionism and headache episodes, including both adaptive and maladaptive mechanisms; and (4) Emotional and psychological responses to headache management and perfectionistic tendencies, emphasizing the complex emotional burden and the need for holistic treatment approaches. Participants reported increased headache severity during periods of stress and utilized various strategies, such as mindfulness and cognitive reframing, to manage their symptoms. The study underscores the intricate relationship between perfectionism and CTTH, highlighting the need for integrated treatment approaches that address both physical and psychological aspects. By understanding the role of perfectionism in exacerbating headache symptoms, healthcare providers can develop more effective, holistic treatment plans that improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

This study aims to explore the psychosomatic responses to stress in individuals with Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD). The research utilized a qualitative design, employing semi-structured interviews with 16 individuals diagnosed with AvPD. Participants were recruited from mental health clinics and support groups specializing in personality disorders. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using NVivo software. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns and themes in the data, focusing on participants' perceptions of stress, psychosomatic symptoms, and coping mechanisms. Ethical considerations included obtaining informed consent and ensuring confidentiality. The study identified three main themes: perceptions of stress, psychosomatic symptoms, and coping mechanisms. Participants described stress as overwhelming pressure and emotional burden, with key triggers being social interactions, performance expectations, criticism, and uncertainty. Psychosomatic symptoms included physical manifestations like headaches and muscle tension, emotional reactions such as anxiety and depression, cognitive impairments, behavioral symptoms, and heightened sensory responses. Coping mechanisms varied, with adaptive strategies including seeking support and problem-solving, and maladaptive strategies such as substance use and isolation. Barriers to effective coping included stigma and lack of resources. The findings highlight the significant impact of stress on both psychological and physical health in individuals with AvPD. The study underscores the need for comprehensive assessment and treatment strategies that address psychosomatic symptoms. Future research should focus on larger and more diverse samples, longitudinal studies, and objective measures of stress. Clinical practice should integrate cognitive-behavioral therapy and promote adaptive coping strategies to enhance the well-being of individuals with AvPD.