Understanding the Psychosomatic Responses of Individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and High Conscientiousness: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore the psychosomatic responses and coping mechanisms of individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) who exhibit high levels of conscientiousness. This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with 23 participants diagnosed with GAD and high conscientiousness. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling from local mental health clinics, online support groups, and community advertisements. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo software, following the principles of grounded theory to identify themes and patterns. Theoretical saturation was achieved when no new themes emerged from the data, ensuring comprehensive analysis. The analysis revealed four main themes: physical manifestations of anxiety, psychological coping mechanisms, impact on daily functioning, and perception and understanding of anxiety. Physical symptoms included muscle tension, gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular symptoms, respiratory problems, and sleep disturbances. Psychological coping mechanisms encompassed perfectionism, avoidance behaviors, cognitive strategies, seeking reassurance, time management, emotional regulation, and problem-solving approaches. The impact on daily functioning was significant, affecting work performance, social relationships, academic achievement, physical health, and personal hobbies. Participants’ perceptions highlighted the importance of awareness, attribution of causes, attitudes towards treatment, stigma, and the influence of conscientiousness on their anxiety. The findings underscore the complex interplay between conscientiousness and anxiety in individuals with GAD. High conscientiousness can both mitigate and exacerbate anxiety symptoms, influencing the effectiveness of coping mechanisms. Personalized treatment approaches that consider individual personality traits, such as mindfulness-based interventions and resilience training, may enhance therapeutic outcomes. This study highlights the need for tailored interventions to address the unique challenges faced by conscientious individuals with GAD.