Journal of Personality and Psychosomatic Research (JPPR)
type: channel
description: E-ISSN: 3041-8542 Director in Charge: Dr. Ali Aghaziarati Editor-in-chief: Prof. Dr. Şennur Tutarel Kışlak Owner: KMAN Research Institute Publisher: KMANPUB (KMAN Publication Inc.) Contact Email: jppr@kmanpub.com Open Access: YES The Journal of Personality and Psychosomatic Research, published by KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB), is a reputable scholarly open-access journal that focuses on the intersection of personality psychology and psychosomatic medicine. The journal covers a wide range of topics within these fields, including trait theories, personality development, personality assessment and measurement, psychoneuroimmunology, stress and health, mind-body interactions, psychological factors in chronic illness, health behavior change, quality of life and well-being, psychotherapy and treatment outcomes, diagnostic and assessment tools, mental health interventions, social cognition and behavior, interpersonal relationships, group dynamics and influence, attention and perception, memory and learning, cognitive processes and decision making, brain-behavior relationships, cognitive impairment and dementia, neurorehabilitation and recovery, happiness and well-being, resilience and positive adaptation, positive interventions and flourishing, lifespan development, attachment and social development, cognitive and emotional development, culture and self-concept, cross-cultural differences in psychological processes, and acculturation and cultural adaptation. With its rigorous open peer-review process and diverse range of articles, the Journal of Personality and Psychosomatic Research serves as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and students interested in understanding the complex interplay between personality factors and physical and mental health outcomes. About the Publisher Publisher: KMAN Publication Inc. Publisher Office: Unit 5‑10825 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, L4C 3E3 https://journals.kmanpub.com Email: kmanpu@kmanpub.com Telegram: +…
publisher: KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB)
language: en
publication name: Journal of Personality and Psychosomatic Research (JPPR)
issn: 3041-8542
items: Trait Emotional Stability as a Protective Factor Against Psychosomatic Symptom Amplification: A Multilevel Mediation Analysis
items: Personality-Driven Adaptive Psychosomatic Treatment Planning via Artificial Intelligence
items: Predicting Somatic Complaints from Personality Traits and Smartphone-Derived Behavioral Data Using Machine Learning
items: Neurobiological Correlates of Personality-Driven Psychosomatic Reactivity: A Psychoneuroimmunological Perspective
items: Personality as a Core Organizing Factor in Mind–Body Health: A Computational Modeling Study
items: Explainable AI Models for Identifying Personality-Driven Risk Factors in Psychosomatic Disorders
items: Predicting Somatic Symptom Disorder Using Ensemble Learning on Personality, Stress, and Emotion Regulation Data
items: AI-Based Profiling of Personality Disorder Traits Associated with Chronic Somatic Symptoms
items: Borderline Personality Features, Somatization, and Stress Reactivity: A Biopsychosocial Model
items: Identifying Key Psychological Predictors of Mind–Body Health Discrepancy
items: Identifying Core Personality Predictors of Psychophysiological Health Outcomes
items: Prioritizing Personality-Based Pathways of Stress Reactivity and Psychosomatic Illness
items: Ranking Cognitive–Affective Factors in the Development of Psychosomatic Illness
items: Dimensions of Sexual Self-Concept in Women with Endometriosis: A Qualitative Exploration
items: Identifying Work-Related Psychosomatic Stressors in Healthcare Workers: A Qualitative Exploration
items: Components of Body–Self Ambiguity in Dermatology Patients: A Qualitative Study
items: Dimensions of Resilience Among Women with Autoimmune Conditions: A Qualitative Study in Tehran
items: Sleep Quality Mediating the Relationship between Workload Stress and Emotional Exhaustion in Employed Females
items: Cognitive Flexibility Mediating the Link Between Perfectionism and Impostor Feelings Among Female Undergraduate Students
items: Evaluating a Yoga-Based Intervention on Mindful Awareness and Stress Reactivity
items: The Effectiveness of Breathing and Relaxation Techniques on Somatic Tension and Trait Anger
items: Impact of Virtual Reality Relaxation Training on Somatic Anxiety and Coping Strategies
items: The Effectiveness of Mobile-Based Mental Health App on Anxiety and Cognitive Distortions
items: The Link Between Emotional Awareness and Interpersonal Sensitivity: The Mediating Role of Alexithymia
items: The Influence of Agreeableness on Perceived Social Support: The Mediating Role of Empathy
items: Self-Compassion as a Mediator Between Self-Criticism and Physical Symptom Reporting
items: Fear of Abandonment and Psychosomatic Symptoms: The Mediating Role of Attachment Insecurity
items: Mentalization Mediates the Effect of Emotional Neglect on Psychosomatic Complaints
items: Pain Catastrophizing as a Mediator Between Anxiety Sensitivity and Somatic Symptoms
items: Body Dissatisfaction and Somatic Complaints: The Mediating Role of Self-Criticism

Trait Emotional Stability as a Protective Factor Against Psychosomatic Symptom Amplification: A Multilevel Mediation Analysis
type: item
description: The objective of this study was to examine whether trait emotional stability functions as a protective factor against psychosomatic symptom amplification and psychosomatic symptom severity through the mediating role of perceived stress. This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design using data collected from an adult community sample in the United Kingdom. Participants completed standardized self-report measures assessing trait emotional stability, perceived stress, somatosensory amplification, and psychosomatic symptom severity. Validated instruments with established psychometric properties were used to ensure reliability and construct validity. Data were analyzed using multilevel modeling techniques to account for potential clustering effects. A multilevel mediation framework was specified in which trait emotional stability served as the predictor, perceived stress as the mediator, and psychosomatic symptom amplification and symptom severity as outcome variables. Indirect effects were tested using bootstrapping procedures with bias-corrected confidence intervals. Multilevel regression analyses indicated that trait emotional stability was significantly and negatively associated with perceived stress, somatosensory amplification, and psychosomatic symptom severity. Perceived stress was positively associated with both somatosensory amplification and psychosomatic symptom severity. Somatosensory amplification emerged as a strong positive predictor of psychosomatic symptom severity when included alongside emotional stability and perceived stress. Mediation analyses demonstrated significant indirect effects of emotional stability on both psychosomatic symptom amplification and symptom severity via perceived stress, while direct effects remained significant, indicating partial mediation. The findings suggest that trait emotional stability protects against psychosomatic symptom amplification and somatic symptom burden through both direct pathways and indirect s…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: emotional stability
  topic: keywords
subject: psychosomatic symptoms
  topic: keywords
subject: somatosensory amplification
  topic: keywords
subject: perceived stress
  topic: keywords
subject: multilevel mediation
  topic: keywords
creator: Madeleine Casad
creator: Parichehr Mehdiabadi
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Madeleine Casad (Corresponding Author); Parichehr Mehdiabadi (Author)
date: 2026-04-01
publication date: 2026-04-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 12

Personality-Driven Adaptive Psychosomatic Treatment Planning via Artificial Intelligence
type: item
description: The objective of this study was to develop and empirically evaluate an artificial intelligence–based framework that integrates personality traits with psychosomatic symptom profiles to generate adaptive, personalized treatment plans in psychosomatic medicine. A mixed-methods, model-development study was conducted using clinical data from adult patients with psychosomatic complaints recruited from outpatient psychosomatic and psychological services in Taiwan. Standardized personality assessments, psychosomatic symptom measures, clinician-rated evaluations, and behavioral indicators were collected and integrated into a secure digital dataset. Machine learning techniques, including unsupervised clustering and supervised predictive modeling, were applied to identify latent personality–symptom patterns and to generate individualized treatment recommendations across multiple psychosomatic intervention modalities. Model performance was evaluated using cross-validation procedures, and explainable AI methods were employed to enhance interpretability and clinical transparency. Unsupervised learning identified four distinct personality–psychosomatic clusters characterized by differential trait configurations and symptom profiles. Predictive modeling demonstrated high classification accuracy and strong discriminative capacity in matching patients to optimal treatment modalities. Inferential analyses indicated that personality traits significantly contributed to treatment recommendation variance beyond symptom severity alone, and adaptive recommendations differed systematically across clusters, supporting the model’s capacity for clinically meaningful personalization. The findings suggest that integrating personality traits into AI-driven psychosomatic treatment planning enables robust patient stratification, improves personalization of intervention strategies, and offers a scalable decision-support approach aligned with contemporary precision medicine principles. This framework…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: psychosomatic medicine
  topic: keywords
subject: personality traits
  topic: keywords
subject: artificial intelligence
  topic: keywords
subject: adaptive treatment planning
  topic: keywords
subject: personalized healthcare
  topic: keywords
creator: Shang-Chi Chien
creator: Dandan Ma
creator: jing Wei
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Shang-Chi Chien (Corresponding Author); Dandan Ma , jing Wei (Author)
date: 2026-04-01
publication date: 2026-04-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 13

Predicting Somatic Complaints from Personality Traits and Smartphone-Derived Behavioral Data Using Machine Learning
type: item
description: This study aimed to predict somatic complaints by integrating Big Five personality traits and passive smartphone-derived behavioral indicators within a machine learning framework. A cross-sectional observational design was employed with an adult community sample recruited in Armenia. Participants completed standardized self-report measures assessing somatic complaints and Big Five personality traits. In parallel, passive smartphone sensing data were collected continuously over a four-week period using a custom Android application that captured behavioral indicators such as screen time, sleep regularity proxies, physical inactivity duration, nighttime phone activity, and app usage patterns, without recording personal content. Data preprocessing included cleaning, aggregation of behavioral features at the participant level, and standardization of predictors. Supervised machine learning models were trained to predict somatic complaint scores, including regularized linear models, support vector regression, random forest, and gradient boosting. Model evaluation used train–test splits with cross-validation, and performance was assessed using error-based indices and explained variance metrics. Nonlinear ensemble models significantly outperformed linear approaches in predicting somatic complaints, with gradient boosting explaining the largest proportion of variance. Models combining personality traits and smartphone-derived behavioral data demonstrated significantly higher predictive accuracy than models using either data source alone. Neuroticism showed the strongest positive contribution to somatic complaints, while conscientiousness and extraversion contributed negatively. Among behavioral indicators, sleep regularity, daily screen time, nighttime phone activity, and physical inactivity emerged as significant predictors. Model performance remained stable across gender and age subgroups, indicating robustness of the predictive relationships. Integrating personality traits…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: somatic complaints
  topic: keywords
subject: personality traits
  topic: keywords
subject: smartphone sensing
  topic: keywords
subject: digital phenotyping
  topic: keywords
subject: machine learning
  topic: keywords
creator: Narek Vardanyan
creator: Valerya Pylypenko
creator: Gayane Harutyunyan
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Narek Vardanyan , Valerya Pylypenko (Author); Gayane Harutyunyan (Corresponding Author)
date: 2026-04-01
publication date: 2026-04-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 11

Neurobiological Correlates of Personality-Driven Psychosomatic Reactivity: A Psychoneuroimmunological Perspective
type: item
description: This study aimed to examine an integrated psychoneuroimmunological model linking personality traits to psychosomatic reactivity through perceived stress, neuroendocrine activity, and immune activation. A cross-sectional correlational design was employed with a community-based adult sample recruited from urban health centers in Mexico. Participants completed validated self-report measures assessing personality traits, perceived stress, and psychosomatic symptoms. Neuroendocrine activity was indexed using salivary cortisol collected at awakening and 30 minutes post-awakening, while immune activation was assessed through serum inflammatory markers, including interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein. Data were analyzed using correlation analyses, multiple regression models, mediation analyses with bootstrapping, and structural equation modeling to test direct and indirect pathways among psychological and biological variables. Inferential analyses indicated that neuroticism was a strong positive predictor of psychosomatic symptoms, whereas conscientiousness and agreeableness were significant negative predictors. Perceived stress significantly mediated the relationship between neuroticism and psychosomatic symptom severity. Elevated cortisol awakening response was associated with higher perceived stress and greater somatic symptom burden and functioned as an additional mediator. Inflammatory markers were positively associated with cortisol activity and psychosomatic symptoms. Structural equation modeling demonstrated good model fit and supported a sequential pathway from personality traits to stress appraisal, neuroendocrine dysregulation, immune activation, and psychosomatic reactivity, with protective traits exerting indirect buffering effects through reduced stress responses. The findings support a psychoneuroimmunological model in which personality traits function as central regulators of psychosomatic reactivity by shaping psychological stress appraisal and downstream ne…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: psychosomatic reactivity
  topic: keywords
subject: personality traits
  topic: keywords
subject: psychoneuroimmunology
  topic: keywords
subject: cortisol
  topic: keywords
subject: inflammation
  topic: keywords
creator: Daymar Avilés-Santa
creator: Przemyslaw Wandzilak
creator: Derek Péloquin
creator: Sue J Critchley
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Daymar Avilés-Santa , Przemyslaw Wandzilak (Author); Derek Péloquin (Corresponding Author); Sue J Critchley (Author)
date: 2026-01-01
publication date: 2026-01-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 10
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.5061

Personality as a Core Organizing Factor in Mind–Body Health: A Computational Modeling Study
type: item
description: This study aimed to examine whether personality traits function as a core organizing system underlying mind–body health by integrating multivariate and computational modeling approaches. A cross-sectional design was employed with an adult sample recruited from Portugal. Participants completed validated self-report instruments assessing personality traits and multiple domains of mind–body health, including physical and mental health, perceived stress, affective balance, and sleep quality. Data were first examined using descriptive statistics and correlational analyses to establish basic relationships among variables. Structural equation modeling was then applied to test a theoretically informed model in which personality traits predicted latent dimensions of mind–body health. To complement explanatory analyses, machine learning techniques, including linear and non-linear predictive models, were used to estimate the extent to which personality traits could predict composite mind–body health outcomes. Model performance was evaluated using explained variance and error indices, and feature importance analyses were conducted to identify the relative contribution of each personality trait. Inferential analyses revealed significant and systematic associations between personality traits and all major mind–body health indicators. Neuroticism emerged as a strong positive predictor of stress, negative affect, and sleep disturbances and a strong negative predictor of physical and mental health, whereas Conscientiousness showed the opposite pattern, functioning as a robust protective factor. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that personality traits exerted simultaneous and differential effects on latent health, stress–affect, and sleep regulation factors, with excellent model fit indices. Machine learning models significantly outperformed traditional linear regression, indicating non-linear and interactive relationships between personality and health, with Neuroticism and…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: personality traits
  topic: keywords
subject: mind–body health
  topic: keywords
subject: psychosomatic modeling
  topic: keywords
subject: computational psychology
  topic: keywords
subject: machine learning
  topic: keywords
creator: José Carvalho
creator: Clarice Santos Figueiredo
creator: Antonio Raposo
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 José Carvalho (Corresponding Author); Clarice Santos Figueiredo , Antonio Raposo (Author)
date: 2026-01-01
publication date: 2026-01-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 10
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.5060

Explainable AI Models for Identifying Personality-Driven Risk Factors in Psychosomatic Disorders
type: item
description: The objective of this study was to identify and transparently explain personality-driven risk factors associated with psychosomatic symptom severity using explainable artificial intelligence models. This cross-sectional study was conducted on an adult clinical sample recruited from psychosomatic and general health settings in Chile. Participants completed validated self-report instruments assessing personality traits, stress-related psychological variables, and psychosomatic symptom severity. After data preprocessing and standardization, multiple supervised machine learning models were developed to predict psychosomatic symptom severity based on personality and psychological predictors. Model performance was evaluated using cross-validation procedures. The best-performing model was further analyzed using explainable artificial intelligence techniques to identify global and individual-level contributions of predictors, enabling transparent interpretation of nonlinear effects and interactions among personality traits. Nonlinear ensemble models significantly outperformed linear models in predicting psychosomatic symptom severity, explaining a substantial proportion of variance. Stress reactivity emerged as the strongest predictor, followed by emotional instability, perceived stress, and negative affectivity. Explainable analyses revealed threshold and interaction effects, indicating sharp increases in psychosomatic risk at high levels of stress reactivity and compounded effects when combined with emotional instability. Self-regulation-related traits demonstrated a protective effect, particularly at low to moderate stress levels, although this effect diminished under extreme stress conditions. Individual-level explanations highlighted marked heterogeneity in risk profiles, with distinct personality configurations driving symptom severity across participants. The findings indicate that psychosomatic symptom severity is shaped by dynamic, nonlinear interactions among pers…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Psychosomatic disorders
  topic: keywords
subject: personality traits
  topic: keywords
subject: explainable artificial intelligence
  topic: keywords
subject: stress reactivity
  topic: keywords
subject: emotional regulation
  topic: keywords
subject: machine learning
  topic: keywords
creator: Claudia Moreno Ruiz
creator: Héctor Jasso-Fuentes
creator: Tiziana Lorenzini
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Claudia Moreno Ruiz (Corresponding Author); Héctor Jasso-Fuentes , Tiziana Lorenzini (Author)
date: 2026-01-01
publication date: 2026-01-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 10
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.5005

Predicting Somatic Symptom Disorder Using Ensemble Learning on Personality, Stress, and Emotion Regulation Data
type: item
description: The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate ensemble learning models to predict somatic symptom disorder based on personality traits, perceived stress, and emotion regulation variables. This cross-sectional study was conducted on an adult sample from South Africa using a predictive modeling design. Participants completed standardized self-report measures assessing somatic symptom severity, personality traits, perceived stress, and multiple dimensions of emotion regulation. Data preprocessing included handling missing values, standardization of continuous variables, and feature preparation for machine learning analysis. Several base classifiers were trained and integrated using ensemble learning techniques, including random forest, gradient boosting, and stacking. Model training and evaluation were performed using stratified k-fold cross-validation to ensure robustness and reduce overfitting. Predictive performance was assessed using multiple inferential metrics, including accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, F1-score, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Feature importance and incremental modeling analyses were conducted to examine the relative and combined contributions of predictor domains. The ensemble learning models demonstrated strong predictive performance, with the stacking ensemble yielding the highest accuracy and AUC, indicating excellent discrimination between higher and lower somatic symptom severity. Neuroticism and perceived stress emerged as the most influential predictors, followed by key emotion regulation difficulties, particularly impulse control problems and limited access to adaptive regulation strategies. Incremental analyses showed that models incorporating personality traits alone achieved moderate prediction, which significantly improved with the addition of perceived stress and further improved when emotion regulation variables were included.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Somatic symptom disorder
  topic: keywords
subject: ensemble learning
  topic: keywords
subject: personality traits
  topic: keywords
subject: perceived stress
  topic: keywords
subject: emotion regulation
  topic: keywords
subject: machine learning
  topic: keywords
creator: Sinokuthokoza Segun Oyeyiola
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Sinokuthokoza Segun Oyeyiola (Author)
date: 2026-01-01
publication date: 2026-01-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 9
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.5001

AI-Based Profiling of Personality Disorder Traits Associated with Chronic Somatic Symptoms
type: item
description: This study aimed to identify and model personality disorder–related trait profiles associated with the severity of chronic somatic symptoms using artificial intelligence–based analytical approaches. A cross-sectional observational design was employed with an adult sample recruited in Hungary. Participants completed standardized self-report measures assessing chronic somatic symptom severity, dimensional personality disorder traits, and psychological distress variables. Data were collected electronically following informed consent and ethical approval. Multiple supervised machine learning models, including regularized regression and ensemble-based algorithms, were trained to predict somatic symptom severity from personality trait dimensions while controlling for demographic and psychological covariates. Model performance was evaluated using cross-validation procedures, and explainable AI techniques were applied to determine the relative importance and direction of trait contributions. Ensemble machine learning models demonstrated superior predictive performance compared with linear approaches, indicating non-linear and interactive associations between personality traits and chronic somatic symptom severity. Negative affectivity emerged as the strongest predictor, followed by detachment, with both traits showing robust positive associations with symptom severity. Disinhibition and psychoticism contributed moderately, while antagonism exhibited a smaller but significant effect. Personality disorder traits provided substantial incremental explanatory value beyond anxiety and depressive symptoms, accounting for additional variance in somatic symptom severity. Explainability analyses confirmed the dominance of internalizing and emotion-related traits in the AI-derived personality profiles associated with higher symptom burden. The findings indicate that chronic somatic symptoms are strongly linked to specific configurations of maladaptive personality traits, particularly …
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: chronic somatic symptoms
  topic: keywords
subject: personality disorder traits
  topic: keywords
subject: artificial intelligence
  topic: keywords
subject: machine learning
  topic: keywords
subject: psychosomatic medicine
  topic: keywords
creator: Orsolya Demetrovics
creator: Norbert Hetényi
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Orsolya Demetrovics (Author); Norbert Hetényi (Corresponding Author)
date: 2026-01-01
publication date: 2026-01-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 9
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.5000

Borderline Personality Features, Somatization, and Stress Reactivity: A Biopsychosocial Model
type: item
description: The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between borderline personality features, stress reactivity, and somatization within a biopsychosocial framework and to test the mediating role of stress reactivity in the association between borderline personality features and somatic symptom severity. This study used a cross-sectional correlational design and was conducted in an adult community sample from Colombia. Participants completed validated self-report measures assessing borderline personality features, perceived stress reactivity, and somatic symptoms. Borderline personality features were measured using the Borderline Features scale of the Personality Assessment Inventory, stress reactivity was assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale, and somatization was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire–15. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analyses, multiple regression models, and regression-based mediation analyses with bootstrapped confidence intervals to test the proposed biopsychosocial model. Inferential analyses revealed significant positive correlations between borderline personality features and somatization, borderline personality features and stress reactivity, and stress reactivity and somatization. Multiple regression analysis indicated that both borderline personality features and stress reactivity independently and significantly predicted somatic symptom severity. Mediation analysis demonstrated that stress reactivity partially mediated the relationship between borderline personality features and somatization, with a significant indirect effect and a remaining significant direct effect of borderline personality features on somatic symptoms. The findings support an integrated biopsychosocial model in which borderline personality features are associated with increased somatic symptom burden both directly and indirectly through heightened stress reactivity, underscoring the central role of stress-rel…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: borderline personality features
  topic: keywords
subject: somatization
  topic: keywords
subject: stress reactivity
  topic: keywords
subject: biopsychosocial model
  topic: keywords
subject: personality pathology
  topic: keywords
creator: Oriana Piskorz-Ryń
creator: Stephanie Flores Carrera
creator: Mercedes Narcisa Idrovo
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Mercedes Narcisa Idrovo (Corresponding Author); Stephanie Flores Carrera (Author)
date: 2026-01-01
publication date: 2026-01-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 9
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.4999

Identifying Key Psychological Predictors of Mind–Body Health Discrepancy
type: item
description: This study aimed to identify the key psychological predictors that contribute to discrepancies between perceived mental well-being and physical health among adults in Singapore. A qualitative research design with an interpretive phenomenological approach was adopted to explore the psychological mechanisms underlying mind–body health incongruence. A total of 21 adult participants (12 females, 9 males; aged 26–54 years) were recruited through purposeful sampling based on self-reported differences between their psychological and physical health experiences. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews lasting 60–90 minutes and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework with the aid of NVivo 14 software. Theoretical saturation was achieved after the 21st interview. Rigor was ensured through member checking, audit trails, and peer debriefing. The analysis revealed four major psychological domains explaining the mind–body health discrepancy: (1) Emotional dysregulation and somatic sensitivity, reflecting the translation of unprocessed emotions into bodily symptoms; (2) Cognitive appraisal and belief systems, indicating that maladaptive health beliefs, perfectionism, and mind–body dualism contribute to misaligned health perceptions; (3) Behavioral and lifestyle misalignment, showing inconsistent self-care and maladaptive coping strategies that sustain perceptual dissonance; and (4) Interpersonal and sociocultural determinants, encompassing social expectations, family communication patterns, and cultural norms that reinforce emotional suppression and health misperception. Collectively, these themes suggest that subjective health perception is shaped more by cognitive–emotional regulation and social context than by biological status. The study underscores that mind–body health discrepancy arises from the convergence of emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and sociocultural factors. Enhancing emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Mind–body discrepancy
  topic: keywords
subject: emotional dysregulation
  topic: keywords
subject: cognitive appraisal
  topic: keywords
subject: health perception
  topic: keywords
creator: Angel Lee
creator: Yoko Wong
creator: Xian Seng Neo
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Angel Lee , Yoko Wong (Author); Xian Seng Neo (Corresponding Author)
date: 2026-01-28
publication date: 2026-01-28
starting page: 1
ending page: 11
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.4577

Identifying Core Personality Predictors of Psychophysiological Health Outcomes
type: item
description: This study aimed to explore how stable personality traits, particularly conscientiousness and neuroticism, influence psychophysiological health outcomes through emotional regulation, behavioral patterns, and cognitive–affective integration among adults in Canada. This qualitative study employed a descriptive–exploratory design to examine the lived experiences of individuals regarding the interaction between personality and psychophysiological well-being. Twenty-one adult participants (11 women, 10 men) aged 25–55 from various provinces in Canada were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, each lasting 60–90 minutes, and analyzed using thematic analysis in NVivo 14 software. Sampling continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The analytic process followed Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework, including open and axial coding to derive major themes. Credibility was ensured through member checking and peer debriefing. Three major themes emerged from the data: (1) Emotional Regulation and Stress Reactivity, capturing the link between personality traits, emotion control, and physiological stress responses; (2) Personality Dispositions Influencing Health Behavior, emphasizing conscientiousness and neuroticism as primary determinants of health-promoting or risk behaviors; and (3) Cognitive–Affective Integration and Meaning Construction, illustrating how mindfulness, meaning in life, and self-reflection mediate personality’s effect on physiological well-being. Participants high in conscientiousness reported adaptive coping, lower stress reactivity, and greater resilience, while those with high neuroticism experienced more psychosomatic symptoms but sometimes converted anxiety into health vigilance—reflecting the “healthy neuroticism” effect. Personality traits, particularly conscientiousness and neuroticism, are central predictors of psychophysiological health. Their interaction shapes emotional regulation, behav…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Personality traits
  topic: keywords
subject: Conscientiousness
  topic: keywords
subject: Neuroticism
  topic: keywords
subject: Psychophysiological health
  topic: keywords
subject: Emotional regulation
  topic: keywords
subject: Healthy neuroticism
  topic: keywords
creator: Sayed Hadi Sayedalitabar
creator: Farzad Goli
creator: Ava Goli
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Sayed Hadi Sayed Alitabar (Corresponding Author); Farzad Goli , Ava Goli (Author)
date: 2026-01-28
publication date: 2026-01-28
starting page: 1
ending page: 11
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.4576

Prioritizing Personality-Based Pathways of Stress Reactivity and Psychosomatic Illness
type: item
description: This study aimed to identify, conceptualize, and prioritize the personality-based pathways that contribute to stress reactivity and psychosomatic illness through an integrated mixed-method approach. The research employed a two-phase sequential mixed-method design. In the qualitative phase, a comprehensive literature review was conducted until theoretical saturation was achieved, and the extracted data were analyzed using NVivo 14 to identify recurring personality-based mechanisms underlying psychosomatic illness. In the quantitative phase, a structured questionnaire developed from the qualitative findings was distributed to 250 adult participants in the United Arab Emirates. Respondents rated the importance of nine personality-based pathways on a five-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS-26, employing descriptive and inferential statistics to rank the identified pathways based on mean scores and standard deviations. The analysis revealed that neuroticism and emotional instability (M = 4.62, SD = 0.41), psychophysiological integration pathways (M = 4.56, SD = 0.48), and alexithymia and emotional unawareness (M = 4.47, SD = 0.53) were the top-ranked predictors of psychosomatic vulnerability. Mid-level contributors included perfectionism and self-criticism, stress appraisal and cognitive schemas, and emotion regulation strategies, while extraversion and social connectivity and conscientiousness and coping regulation ranked lowest, indicating a primarily protective rather than causative role. Inferential tests confirmed significant differences in perceived importance across demographic groups (p < .05), reinforcing the robustness of the model. The findings demonstrate that psychosomatic illness arises from a hierarchical interaction of personality-driven emotional, cognitive, and physiological processes, with neuroticism, alexithymia, and physiological dysregulation forming the core vulnerability triad. These results underscore the importance of personality…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Personality traits
  topic: keywords
subject: Psychosomatic illness
  topic: keywords
subject: Stress reactivity
  topic: keywords
subject: Alexithymia
  topic: keywords
subject: Neuroticism
  topic: keywords
subject: Emotional regulation
  topic: keywords
subject: Mind–body interaction
  topic: keywords
creator: Azizreza Ghasemzadeh
creator: Maryam Saadat
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Azizreza Ghasemzadeh (Corresponding Author); Maryam Saadat (Author)
date: 2026-01-28
publication date: 2026-01-28
starting page: 1
ending page: 12
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.4575

Ranking Cognitive–Affective Factors in the Development of Psychosomatic Illness
type: item
description: This study aimed to identify and rank the key cognitive–affective factors contributing to the development of psychosomatic illness through an integrated qualitative–quantitative research design. A mixed-methods sequential design was employed. In the qualitative phase, an extensive literature review of 127 scientific sources published between 2000 and 2025 was conducted to identify the principal cognitive–affective mechanisms underlying psychosomatic illness. Using NVivo 14 software, open and axial coding were applied until theoretical saturation was achieved, resulting in seven major thematic categories. In the quantitative phase, a structured questionnaire was developed based on these qualitative findings and administered to 288 adult participants from Portugal. Participants rated the importance of each factor on a 5-point Likert scale. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with descriptive and inferential analyses determining the ranking and significance of each factor. The results showed that emotional dysregulation was the most influential factor contributing to psychosomatic illness (M = 4.62, SD = 0.43), followed by stress reactivity and coping deficits (M = 4.48, SD = 0.52) and maladaptive cognitive appraisal (M = 4.36, SD = 0.58). Relational and attachment factors ranked fourth (M = 4.27, SD = 0.61), while body–emotion misattribution and personality traits followed with moderate influence. Health beliefs and mind–body awareness received the lowest mean score (M = 3.89, SD = 0.67). Inferential analyses indicated statistically significant differences across demographic groups, with higher psychosomatic sensitivity observed among participants with greater emotional suppression and lower coping efficacy. The findings highlight emotional dysregulation and maladaptive stress processing as the most critical cognitive–affective determinants of psychosomatic illness. Interventions targeting emotion regulation, adaptive coping, and cognitive restruct…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: psychosomatic illness
  topic: keywords
subject: emotional dysregulation
  topic: keywords
subject: cognitive appraisal
  topic: keywords
subject: stress reactivity
  topic: keywords
creator: Giselle Mata
creator: Diana Rodrigues da Silva
creator: Beatriz Peixoto
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Giselle Mata , Diana Rodrigues da Silva (Author); Beatriz Peixoto (Corresponding Author)
date: 2026-01-28
publication date: 2026-01-28
starting page: 1
ending page: 12
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.4574

Dimensions of Sexual Self-Concept in Women with Endometriosis: A Qualitative Exploration
type: item
description: This study aimed to explore and interpret the dimensions of sexual self-concept among women living with endometriosis, focusing on how chronic pelvic pain, emotional distress, and relational factors shape their perceptions of sexuality and identity. A qualitative exploratory design was employed using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 20 women diagnosed with endometriosis residing in Canada. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, ensuring variation in age, marital status, and duration since diagnosis. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework, supported by NVivo 14 software for coding and data organization. Trustworthiness was ensured through member checking, peer debriefing, and maintaining an audit trail. Analysis revealed three overarching themes: (1) Altered Body and Self-Perception, describing loss of femininity, body shame, and internalized guilt; (2) Emotional and Relational Challenges in Sexual Intimacy, highlighting fear of pain, avoidance of intercourse, communication barriers, and relational insecurity; and (3) Coping, Adaptation, and Sexual Empowerment, encompassing self-acceptance, meaning-making, spiritual coping, and redefinition of sexual identity. Participants demonstrated both vulnerability and resilience, reconstructing their sexual self-concept through self-compassion, supportive relationships, and advocacy. The findings indicate that endometriosis affects not only physical sexuality but also emotional identity and relational dynamics. Sexual self-concept in women with endometriosis is a multidimensional construct shaped by pain, body image, partner understanding, and personal meaning-making. The study underscores the importance of integrating psychosocial and relational support into endometriosis care to promote sexual well-being and identity reconstruction.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Endometriosis
  topic: keywords
subject: Sexual self-concept
  topic: keywords
subject: Dyspareunia
  topic: keywords
subject: Qualitative research
  topic: keywords
subject: Women’s health
  topic: keywords
subject: Psychological adaptation
  topic: keywords
creator: Mehdi Rostami
creator: Leila Saeidtaleshi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Mehdi Rostami (Corresponding Author); Leila Saeidtaleshi (Author)
date: 2025-10-01
publication date: 2025-10-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 10
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.4568

Identifying Work-Related Psychosomatic Stressors in Healthcare Workers: A Qualitative Exploration
type: item
description: This study aimed to explore and identify the organizational, psychosocial, and behavioral factors contributing to psychosomatic stress among healthcare workers in the United States through an in-depth qualitative analysis of their lived experiences. A qualitative exploratory design was employed to capture healthcare workers’ subjective experiences of psychosomatic stress. Twenty-three participants, including nurses, physicians, technicians, and administrative staff, were purposively selected from hospitals and clinics across the United States. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted face-to-face or via secure online platforms. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using NVivo 14 software. Thematic analysis followed the Braun and Clarke (2006) framework, allowing the identification of recurrent patterns and relationships among concepts. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Three main themes emerged: (1) Organizational and structural stressors—including work overload, administrative pressure, resource scarcity, and unsafe working conditions—were linked to chronic fatigue, headaches, and sleep disturbances; (2) Psychosocial and emotional stressors—such as compassion fatigue, interpersonal strain, and work–family conflict—contributed to emotional exhaustion and physical symptoms; and (3) Psychosomatic manifestations and coping responses—showing how stress materialized as physical pain, anxiety, and maladaptive behaviors, while some workers adopted adaptive coping strategies like mindfulness and peer support. The findings suggest that psychosomatic stress in healthcare settings stems from systemic imbalance rather than individual vulnerability, confirming strong interdependence between emotional and physiological domains. The study highlights that healthcare workers’ psychosomatic distress is rooted in organizational dysfunction and emotional overload.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: psychosomatic stress
  topic: keywords
subject: healthcare workers
  topic: keywords
subject: qualitative study
  topic: keywords
subject: occupational stress
  topic: keywords
subject: burnout
  topic: keywords
creator: Abbie Wilson
creator: Veronica Longo
creator: Lia Corazza
creator: Seyed Amir Saadati
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Abbie Wilson , Veronica Longo , Lia Corazza (Author); Seyed Amir Saadati (Corresponding Author)
date: 2025-10-01
publication date: 2025-10-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 11
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.3746

Components of Body–Self Ambiguity in Dermatology Patients: A Qualitative Study
type: item
description: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences and psychological components of body–self ambiguity among patients with chronic dermatological conditions, focusing on how individuals interpret, negotiate, and reconstruct the meaning of their altered embodiment. This qualitative phenomenological study was conducted with 16 dermatology patients (9 women and 7 men) from clinical centers in Tehran between March and August 2025. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure variation in age, gender, diagnosis, and illness duration. Data were collected using semi-structured, in-depth interviews that invited participants to describe their personal experiences of body–self disconnection and social perception. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed through Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis using NVivo 14 software. Theoretical saturation was achieved after the sixteenth interview. Trustworthiness was ensured through triangulation, member checking, and maintaining an audit trail of analytical decisions. Analysis revealed four overarching themes representing the components of body–self ambiguity in dermatology patients: (1) Fragmented Body Awareness, describing disconnection from one’s bodily image and sensory estrangement; (2) Emotional Turbulence in the Self–Body Relationship, involving shame, anxiety, and emotional fatigue in response to visible changes; (3) Social Mirror and External Reflection, capturing stigma, social withdrawal, and the internalization of others’ judgments; and (4) Meaning Reconstruction and Adaptation, denoting acceptance, spirituality, and creative self-expression as pathways toward re-integrating body and self. These findings highlight body–self ambiguity as a fluid and multidimensional experience shaped by emotional, social, and cultural contexts. The study concludes that dermatological illness profoundly alters patients’ bodily self-concept, evoking fragmentation yet also fostering potential for…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Body–self ambiguity
  topic: keywords
subject: dermatology patients
  topic: keywords
subject: qualitative study
  topic: keywords
subject: body image
  topic: keywords
subject: phenomenology
  topic: keywords
subject: self-identity
  topic: keywords
subject: psychological adaptation
  topic: keywords
creator: Mansour Abdi
creator: Parisa Bagheri
creator: Maryam Ranjbar
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Mansour Abdi (Corresponding Author); Parisa Bagheri, Maryam Ranjbar (Author)
date: 2025-10-01
publication date: 2025-10-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 10
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.4248

Dimensions of Resilience Among Women with Autoimmune Conditions: A Qualitative Study in Tehran
type: item
description: This study aimed to explore and conceptualize the multidimensional nature of resilience among women living with autoimmune conditions, focusing on their cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual adaptation processes. A qualitative phenomenological design was employed to gain a deep understanding of women’s lived experiences of resilience while coping with autoimmune diseases. Using purposive sampling, twenty-one women diagnosed with autoimmune conditions—including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and thyroid disorders—were recruited from medical centers in Tehran. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews lasting 45–75 minutes. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework with the assistance of NVivo 14 software. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Trustworthiness was ensured through member checking, peer debriefing, and maintaining an audit trail. Thematic analysis revealed four overarching dimensions of resilience: (1) Cognitive Adaptation—involving reframing illness, future orientation, and meaning-making through knowledge; (2) Emotional Regulation—including acceptance, emotional endurance, and positive emotional expression; (3) Social Connectedness—encompassing family support, peer empathy, and identity reconstruction through relationships; and (4) Spiritual and Existential Resilience—defined by faith, gratitude, moral integrity, and spiritual integration with medical care. Resilience among women with autoimmune diseases emerges as a multifaceted and culturally embedded phenomenon, rooted in cognitive flexibility, emotional mastery, social solidarity, and spiritual meaning-making. Interventions should therefore adopt holistic and culturally sensitive approaches that address both psychosocial and existential needs, empowering women to live purposefully despite chronic adversity.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Sepideh Mahmoodzadeh
creator: Mehdi Ghezelseflo
creator: Farnaz Rahsepar Monfared
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Sepideh Mahmoodzadeh (Author); Mehdi Ghezelseflo (Corresponding Author); Farnaz Rahsepar Monfared (Author)
date: 2025-10-01
publication date: 2025-10-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 11
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.423

Sleep Quality Mediating the Relationship between Workload Stress and Emotional Exhaustion in Employed Females
type: item
description: This study aimed to examine the mediating role of sleep quality in the relationship between workload stress and emotional exhaustion among employed females. A descriptive correlational design was adopted, and data were collected from 390 employed women in Canada using standardized self-report instruments. Workload stress was measured by the Workload Subscale of the Occupational Stress Inventory–Revised (Osipow, 1998), sleep quality by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (Buysse et al., 1989), and emotional exhaustion by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (Maslach & Jackson, 1981). Sampling was determined using the Morgan and Krejcie (1970) table, ensuring representativeness across occupational groups. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-27 for descriptive and correlational statistics and AMOS-21 for Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test the mediation model. Model fit was evaluated through multiple indices, including χ²/df, GFI, AGFI, CFI, TLI, and RMSEA. The results indicated that workload stress significantly predicted emotional exhaustion both directly (β = 0.41, p < .001) and indirectly through sleep quality (β = 0.16, p < .001). Workload stress was positively associated with poor sleep quality (β = 0.38, p < .001), and poor sleep quality was strongly related to higher emotional exhaustion (β = 0.44, p < .001). The total effect of workload stress on emotional exhaustion was substantial (β = 0.57, p < .001). Model fit indices demonstrated an excellent fit (χ²(54) = 87.43, χ²/df = 1.62, GFI = 0.96, AGFI = 0.93, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.041), confirming the adequacy of the hypothesized model. The study highlights that workload stress significantly contributes to emotional exhaustion among employed females, with sleep quality serving as a crucial mediating mechanism. These findings emphasize the importance of sleep health as a psychological and physiological buffer in occupational stress management. Organizations should prioritize interventions that regula…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Workload Stress
  topic: keywords
subject: Sleep Quality
  topic: keywords
subject: Emotional Exhaustion
  topic: keywords
subject: Mediation
  topic: keywords
subject: Female Employees
  topic: keywords
subject: Occupational Health
  topic: keywords
creator: Paulo Castro-Medina
creator: Sabine Kraus
creator: Karina Batthyany
creator: Neda Atapour
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Paulo Castro-Medina, Sabine Kraus (Author); Karina Batthyany (Corresponding Author); Neda Atapour (Author)
date: 2025-10-01
publication date: 2025-10-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 10
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.4567

Cognitive Flexibility Mediating the Link Between Perfectionism and Impostor Feelings Among Female Undergraduate Students
type: item
description: This study aimed to examine the mediating role of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between perfectionism and impostor feelings among female undergraduate students in Canada. A descriptive correlational research design was employed with a total sample of 400 female undergraduate students selected through stratified random sampling based on the Morgan and Krejcie (1970) table. Standardized self-report instruments were used: the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS; Frost et al., 1990) to assess perfectionism, the Cognitive Flexibility Scale (CFS; Dennis & Vander Wal, 2010) to measure cognitive flexibility, and the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS; Clance, 1985) to assess impostor feelings. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 for descriptive and correlation analyses and AMOS version 21 for structural equation modeling (SEM). Model fit was evaluated through indices including χ²/df, GFI, AGFI, CFI, TLI, and RMSEA, with significance determined at p < .05. Results revealed significant relationships among the study variables. Perfectionism was positively correlated with impostor feelings (r = .57, p < .001), while cognitive flexibility was negatively correlated with both perfectionism (r = −.48, p < .001) and impostor feelings (r = −.53, p < .001). The SEM analysis demonstrated excellent model fit (χ²/df = 1.48, GFI = .95, CFI = .97, RMSEA = .035). Perfectionism exerted a significant direct effect on impostor feelings (β = 0.38, p < .001) and a negative effect on cognitive flexibility (β = −0.41, p < .001). Cognitive flexibility significantly predicted lower impostor feelings (β = −0.33, p < .001) and partially mediated the perfectionism–impostor relationship (indirect β = 0.13, p < .01). The findings suggest that cognitive flexibility functions as a protective cognitive mechanism that mitigates the negative impact of perfectionism on impostor feelings. Enhancing cognitive flexibility may therefore reduce self-doubt and promote adaptive copin…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Perfectionism
  topic: keywords
subject: Cognitive Flexibility
  topic: keywords
subject: Impostor Feelings
  topic: keywords
subject: Female Students
  topic: keywords
creator: Daniela Gottschlich
creator: Oriana Piskorz-Ryń
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Daniela Gottschlich (Corresponding Author); Seyed Amir Saadati (Author)
date: 2025-10-01
publication date: 2025-10-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 10
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.4566

Evaluating a Yoga-Based Intervention on Mindful Awareness and Stress Reactivity
type: item
description: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an eight-session yoga-based intervention in enhancing mindful awareness and reducing stress reactivity among adults in Kenya. A randomized controlled trial design was employed with 30 adult participants randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 15), which received the yoga intervention, or a control group (n = 15). The intervention consisted of weekly 60–75-minute sessions over eight weeks, integrating yoga postures, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices. Standardized measurement tools—the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)—were administered at three time points: pre-test, post-test, and five-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests in SPSS-27. Results indicated a significant increase in mindful awareness in the experimental group compared to the control group over time (F(2, 56) = 18.52, p < .001, η² = .407), with sustained effects at follow-up. Similarly, stress reactivity significantly decreased in the experimental group relative to controls (F(2, 56) = 16.73, p < .001, η² = .374), and the improvements persisted at five-month follow-up. Bonferroni post-hoc tests confirmed significant differences between pre-test and post-test, as well as pre-test and follow-up, for both variables (all p < .001). The findings suggest that a structured yoga-based intervention can significantly improve mindful awareness and reduce stress reactivity in adults, with effects maintained over time. These results support the integration of yoga and mindfulness practices into mental health and wellness programs, especially in low-resource settings.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Yoga intervention
  topic: keywords
subject: Mindful awareness
  topic: keywords
subject: Stress reactivity
  topic: keywords
subject: Randomized controlled trial
  topic: keywords
creator: Nadereh Saadati
creator: Seyed Amir Saadati
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-07-01
publication date: 2025-07-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 9
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.3.3.6

The Effectiveness of Breathing and Relaxation Techniques on Somatic Tension and Trait Anger
type: item
description: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured breathing and relaxation intervention in reducing somatic tension and trait anger among Canadian adults. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 participants (15 intervention, 15 control) recruited from community and educational centers in Isfahan, Iran. The intervention group underwent ten 60-minute sessions over five weeks, incorporating diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery techniques. Assessments were conducted at pre-test, post-test, and five-month follow-up using the Pennebaker Inventory of Limbic Languidness (Muscle Tension Subscale) and the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc tests via SPSS-27. Significant main effects of time and group, as well as time × group interactions, were found for both somatic tension (F(2,56) = 36.71, p < .001, η² = .58) and trait anger (F(2,56) = 27.43, p < .001, η² = .49). Post-hoc comparisons revealed a significant reduction in somatic tension from pre-test to post-test (MD = 9.62, p < .001) and from pre-test to follow-up (MD = 11.79, p < .001). Trait anger also decreased significantly between pre-test and post-test (MD = 6.12, p < .001), and between pre-test and follow-up (MD = 6.95, p < .001), with sustained effects over time. Breathing and relaxation techniques are effective in reducing both somatic and emotional symptoms, with benefits persisting up to five months post-intervention. These findings support the integration of psychophysiological self-regulation practices into mental health and stress management programs as non-invasive and cost-effective strategies.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Breathing techniques
  topic: keywords
subject: Somatic tension
  topic: keywords
subject: Trait anger
  topic: keywords
subject: Relaxation therapy
  topic: keywords
subject: Randomized controlled trial
  topic: keywords
creator: Sara Nejatifar
creator: Salar Faramarzi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-07-01
publication date: 2025-07-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 9
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.3.3.5

Impact of Virtual Reality Relaxation Training on Somatic Anxiety and Coping Strategies
type: item
description: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an eight-session Virtual Reality Relaxation Training (VRRT) program on reducing somatic anxiety and improving coping strategies in young adults. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 participants from Armenia, randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 15) receiving VRRT or a control group (n = 15) placed on a waitlist. The intervention consisted of weekly 60-minute sessions over eight weeks, involving immersive virtual environments integrated with guided breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness, and visualization. Somatic anxiety was measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and coping strategies were assessed with the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS). Assessments were conducted at three time points: pretest, posttest, and five-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests via SPSS-27. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant group × time interaction effects for both somatic anxiety (F = 23.19, p < .001, η² = .462) and coping strategies (F = 19.66, p < .001, η² = .412). Bonferroni post-hoc tests indicated that the experimental group showed a significant reduction in somatic anxiety from pretest to posttest (p < .001), which was sustained at follow-up. Likewise, significant improvements in coping strategies were observed in the experimental group (p < .001), with no significant change in the control group across time. The findings support the effectiveness of Virtual Reality Relaxation Training in reducing somatic anxiety and enhancing coping strategies, with sustained benefits observed up to five months post-intervention. VRRT offers a promising, immersive approach for anxiety management and resilience training among young adults.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Virtual reality
  topic: keywords
subject: somatic anxiety
  topic: keywords
subject: coping strategies
  topic: keywords
subject: relaxation training
  topic: keywords
creator: Arusyak Ivanyan
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-07-01
publication date: 2025-07-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 9
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.3.3.4

The Effectiveness of Mobile-Based Mental Health App on Anxiety and Cognitive Distortions
type: item
description: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile-based mental health application in reducing anxiety symptoms and cognitive distortions among young adult users. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 participants (15 in the experimental group and 15 in the control group) recruited from Iran. The intervention consisted of a mobile application delivering 12 CBT-based sessions over six weeks. Standardized tools—the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Cognitive Distortions Scale (CDS)—were used to assess outcomes at pre-test, post-test, and five-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests via SPSS-27. The repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant main effects of time (F = 44.52, p < .001, η² = .614 for anxiety; F = 39.73, p < .001, η² = .595 for cognitive distortions), group (F = 35.45, p < .001 for anxiety; F = 41.68, p < .001 for cognitive distortions), and time × group interactions (F = 42.53, p < .001 for anxiety; F = 37.21, p < .001 for cognitive distortions). Bonferroni post-hoc tests confirmed that the experimental group experienced significant reductions in both anxiety and cognitive distortions from pre-test to post-test (p < .001) and from pre-test to follow-up (p < .001), with no significant relapse over time (p > .05). The findings support the effectiveness of a structured mobile-based mental health application in reducing anxiety and maladaptive thinking patterns. The sustained improvements at five-month follow-up suggest that such digital interventions can offer accessible and durable mental health support.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: mobile mental health app
  topic: keywords
subject: anxiety
  topic: keywords
subject: cognitive distortions
  topic: keywords
subject: randomized controlled trial
  topic: keywords
subject: cognitive-behavioral therapy
  topic: keywords
subject: digital intervention
  topic: keywords
creator: Seyed Ali Darbani
creator: Leila Sadat Mirseify fard
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-07-01
publication date: 2025-07-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 9
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.3.3.3

The Link Between Emotional Awareness and Interpersonal Sensitivity: The Mediating Role of Alexithymia
type: item
description: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between emotional awareness and interpersonal sensitivity, focusing on the mediating role of alexithymia among adults in Egypt. The research employed a descriptive correlational design with a sample of 390 adult participants selected based on Morgan and Krejcie’s sample size table. Participants were recruited from various Egyptian communities and completed standardized questionnaires measuring emotional awareness, alexithymia, and interpersonal sensitivity. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-27 for Pearson correlation analysis and AMOS-21 for Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine the proposed mediation model. Model fit was assessed using key indices including Chi-square/df, CFI, TLI, GFI, and RMSEA. Results indicated a significant negative correlation between emotional awareness and interpersonal sensitivity (r = –.47, p < .01), and a significant positive correlation between alexithymia and interpersonal sensitivity (r = .59, p < .01). Emotional awareness also showed a significant negative correlation with alexithymia (r = –.54, p < .01). SEM results confirmed that emotional awareness significantly predicted lower alexithymia (β = –.54, p < .001), which in turn significantly predicted higher interpersonal sensitivity (β = .59, p < .001). The direct path from emotional awareness to interpersonal sensitivity remained significant (β = –.28, p = .002), and the indirect effect through alexithymia was also significant (β = –.32, p < .001), indicating partial mediation. The overall model demonstrated good fit (χ²/df = 2.34, CFI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.058). The findings underscore the critical role of emotional awareness in reducing interpersonal sensitivity, both directly and through the mediating influence of alexithymia. Enhancing emotional processing skills may serve as an effective target for interventions aimed at improving social functioning and emotional well-being.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Emotional Awareness
  topic: keywords
subject: Interpersonal Sensitivity
  topic: keywords
subject: Alexithymia
  topic: keywords
subject: Structural Equation Modeling
  topic: keywords
subject: Emotional Intelligence
  topic: keywords
creator: Seyed Hamid Atashpour
creator: Seyed Salar Atashpour
creator: Samieh Sadat Atashpour
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-07-01
publication date: 2025-07-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 9
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.3.3.2

The Influence of Agreeableness on Perceived Social Support: The Mediating Role of Empathy
type: item
description: This study aimed to investigate the influence of agreeableness on perceived social support, with a specific focus on the mediating role of empathy among Indonesian adults. A descriptive correlational research design was used, involving 400 participants selected through stratified random sampling based on Krejcie and Morgan's sample size determination table. Participants completed standardized self-report instruments: the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (Agreeableness), the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (Empathy), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Pearson correlation analysis was performed using SPSS-27 to examine bivariate relationships among the variables. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was conducted using AMOS-21 to assess the hypothesized mediational model, with model fit indices evaluated and path coefficients estimated for both direct and indirect effects. Pearson correlations indicated that agreeableness was significantly associated with both empathy (r = .53, p < .01) and perceived social support (r = .41, p < .01), while empathy was also significantly correlated with perceived social support (r = .59, p < .01). The SEM analysis demonstrated good model fit (χ²/df = 2.04, GFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.051). Direct effects were significant from agreeableness to empathy (β = .53, p < .001), empathy to perceived social support (β = .47, p < .001), and agreeableness to perceived social support (β = .22, p < .001). The indirect effect of agreeableness on perceived social support via empathy was also significant (β = .25, p < .001), confirming the mediation model. Empathy plays a critical mediating role in the relationship between agreeableness and perceived social support. These findings highlight the importance of both personality traits and socio-emotional competencies in shaping individuals’ perceptions of their social networks, especially in collectivist cultures like Indonesia.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Agreeableness
  topic: keywords
subject: Empathy
  topic: keywords
subject: Perceived Social Support
  topic: keywords
subject: Personality Traits
  topic: keywords
creator: Shokouh Navabinejad
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-07-01
publication date: 2025-07-01
starting page: 1
ending page: 9
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.3.3.1

Self-Compassion as a Mediator Between Self-Criticism and Physical Symptom Reporting
type: item
description: This study aimed to investigate whether self-compassion mediates the relationship between self-criticism and physical symptom reporting in a sample of Iranian adults. A descriptive correlational research design was employed with a sample of 435 participants selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie sample size table. Participants completed three standardized self-report instruments: the Levels of Self-Criticism Scale (LOSC), the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) for physical symptom reporting. Data were analyzed using SPSS-27 for descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis, and AMOS-21 was used to conduct Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to evaluate the mediation model. The results revealed significant correlations between all study variables. Self-criticism was positively correlated with physical symptom reporting (r = .47, p < .001) and negatively correlated with self-compassion (r = –.53, p < .001). Self-compassion was also negatively associated with physical symptom reporting (r = –.45, p < .001). SEM analysis indicated that the model demonstrated good fit (χ²/df = 2.10, CFI = .96, RMSEA = .051). Direct effects were significant from self-criticism to physical symptom reporting (β = .29, p < .001), from self-criticism to self-compassion (β = –.53, p < .001), and from self-compassion to physical symptom reporting (β = –.26, p < .001). The indirect effect of self-criticism on physical symptoms through self-compassion was also significant (β = .14, p = .002), confirming partial mediation. The findings suggest that self-compassion serves as a psychological buffer that partially mediates the impact of self-criticism on physical symptom reporting. Enhancing self-compassion may reduce the somatic burden of individuals prone to self-critical thinking, offering valuable implications for psychological interventions and health promotion.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Self-criticism
  topic: keywords
subject: Self-compassion
  topic: keywords
subject: Physical symptom reporting
  topic: keywords
creator: Zahra Yousefi
creator: Mohsen Golparvar
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-04-01
publication date: 2025-04-01
starting page: 48
ending page: 57
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.3.2.6

Fear of Abandonment and Psychosomatic Symptoms: The Mediating Role of Attachment Insecurity
type: item
description: This study aimed to examine the relationship between fear of abandonment and psychosomatic symptoms and to investigate whether attachment insecurity mediates this relationship in a sample of Chinese young adults. The research followed a descriptive correlational design and included 419 participants from urban areas in China, selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie sampling table. Standardized instruments were used to measure fear of abandonment (Fear of Abandonment Scale), attachment insecurity (Experiences in Close Relationships–Revised), and psychosomatic symptoms (PHQ-15). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients in SPSS-27 and structural equation modeling (SEM) in AMOS-21 to assess the mediating role of attachment insecurity. The results showed that fear of abandonment was positively correlated with both attachment insecurity (r = .62, p < .001) and psychosomatic symptoms (r = .51, p < .001). Attachment insecurity also had a significant positive correlation with psychosomatic symptoms (r = .57, p < .001). The structural model demonstrated good fit indices (χ²/df = 2.13, CFI = .96, RMSEA = .052), confirming the adequacy of the hypothesized model. Path analysis revealed that fear of abandonment significantly predicted attachment insecurity (β = .62, p < .001), which in turn predicted psychosomatic symptoms (β = .46, p < .001). The direct effect of fear of abandonment on psychosomatic symptoms remained significant (β = .22, p = .002), and the indirect effect through attachment insecurity was also significant (β = .29, p < .001), indicating partial mediation. These findings suggest that fear of abandonment contributes to psychosomatic symptoms both directly and indirectly through its impact on attachment insecurity. Addressing attachment-based vulnerabilities may be essential in the psychological treatment of individuals experiencing psychosomatic distress.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: fear of abandonment
  topic: keywords
subject: attachment insecurity
  topic: keywords
subject: psychosomatic symptoms
  topic: keywords
creator: Wang Lai
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-04-01
publication date: 2025-04-01
starting page: 39
ending page: 47
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.3.2.5

Mentalization Mediates the Effect of Emotional Neglect on Psychosomatic Complaints
type: item
description: This study aimed to examine whether mentalization mediates the relationship between emotional neglect and psychosomatic complaints in young adults. A descriptive correlational design was employed involving 379 participants from Pakistan, selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie sample size table. Participants completed three standardized self-report instruments: the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire–Short Form (CTQ-SF) to assess emotional neglect, the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (RFQ-8) to evaluate mentalization, and the Children’s Somatization Inventory (CSI-24) to measure psychosomatic complaints. Data were analyzed using SPSS-27 for descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson correlation, and AMOS-21 for Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test the proposed mediation model. Assumptions of normality, linearity, multicollinearity, and homoscedasticity were confirmed prior to analysis. Pearson correlation analysis showed that emotional neglect was positively correlated with psychosomatic complaints (r = .47, p < .001) and negatively correlated with mentalization (r = –.42, p < .001). Mentalization was negatively associated with psychosomatic complaints (r = –.38, p < .001). The SEM revealed excellent model fit indices (χ² = 84.36, df = 41, χ²/df = 2.06, CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.053). Path analysis indicated that emotional neglect had a significant direct effect on psychosomatic complaints (β = 0.39, p < .001), as well as an indirect effect mediated by mentalization (β = 0.12, p = .002). The total effect was substantial (β = 0.51, p < .001), confirming mentalization as a partial mediator. The findings highlight the significant mediating role of mentalization in the association between emotional neglect and psychosomatic complaints. This suggests that deficits in reflective functioning may be a key psychological mechanism through which emotional neglect translates into somatic distress. Interventions targeting mentalization may help mitigate the adv…
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Emotional neglect
  topic: keywords
subject: mentalization
  topic: keywords
subject: psychosomatic complaints
  topic: keywords
creator: Badhon Ahmmed
creator: Aman Ullah Chaudhary
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-04-01
publication date: 2025-04-01
starting page: 29
ending page: 38
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.3.2.4

Pain Catastrophizing as a Mediator Between Anxiety Sensitivity and Somatic Symptoms
type: item
description: This study aimed to examine whether pain catastrophizing mediates the relationship between anxiety sensitivity and somatic symptoms in a community sample of Spanish adults. A descriptive correlational design was employed using self-report measures, including the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15). A total of 422 adults from Spain were selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie sample size table and completed the questionnaires via online administration. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis were conducted using SPSS-27, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was performed using AMOS-21 to assess the hypothesized mediation model and model fit. Descriptive analysis revealed moderate levels of anxiety sensitivity (M = 38.47, SD = 8.62), pain catastrophizing (M = 26.38, SD = 10.17), and somatic symptoms (M = 14.92, SD = 5.78). Pearson correlations showed significant positive relationships between anxiety sensitivity and pain catastrophizing (r = .61, p < .001), anxiety sensitivity and somatic symptoms (r = .49, p < .001), and pain catastrophizing and somatic symptoms (r = .57, p < .001). The SEM results indicated an acceptable model fit (χ²/df = 2.11; CFI = .97; RMSEA = .051), with pain catastrophizing fully mediating the relationship between anxiety sensitivity and somatic symptoms. The indirect effect (β = .28, p < .001) was significant, while the direct effect (β = .12, p = .128) was not. The findings suggest that pain catastrophizing plays a central mediating role in the link between anxiety sensitivity and somatic symptoms. These results underscore the importance of targeting cognitive-affective factors such as catastrophizing in interventions aimed at reducing somatic distress in individuals with high anxiety sensitivity.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Anxiety sensitivity
  topic: keywords
subject: Pain catastrophizing
  topic: keywords
subject: Somatic symptoms
  topic: keywords
creator: Rafael Ballester-Ripoll
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-04-01
publication date: 2025-04-01
starting page: 20
ending page: 28
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.3.2.3

Body Dissatisfaction and Somatic Complaints: The Mediating Role of Self-Criticism
type: item
description: This study aimed to investigate whether self-criticism mediates the relationship between body dissatisfaction and somatic complaints in adolescents. A descriptive correlational research design was employed with a sample of 413 high school students from Georgia, selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie sample size determination table. Participants completed three standardized self-report instruments: the Body Shape Questionnaire-16 (BSQ-16) for body dissatisfaction, the Levels of Self-Criticism Scale (LOSC) for self-criticism, and the Children’s Somatization Inventory (CSI-24) for somatic complaints. Data were analyzed using SPSS-27 for descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients, and AMOS-21 for Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to assess model fit and test the hypothesized mediation model. Descriptive results showed moderate to high levels of body dissatisfaction (M = 56.74, SD = 11.29), self-criticism (M = 89.63, SD = 13.57), and somatic complaints (M = 38.12, SD = 8.41). Pearson correlations indicated significant positive associations between body dissatisfaction and self-criticism (r = .48, p < .001), body dissatisfaction and somatic complaints (r = .44, p < .001), and self-criticism and somatic complaints (r = .52, p < .001). The SEM model demonstrated good fit indices (χ²/df = 1.75, CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.042). Path analysis revealed a significant direct effect of body dissatisfaction on somatic complaints (β = .25, p < .001), a significant indirect effect via self-criticism (β = .20, p < .001), and a total effect of β = .45 (p < .001), supporting partial mediation. The findings highlight self-criticism as a significant cognitive mechanism through which body dissatisfaction contributes to somatic complaints in adolescents. Interventions aimed at reducing self-critical thought patterns may help mitigate the negative physical and psychological effects of body dissatisfaction in youth.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Body dissatisfaction
  topic: keywords
subject: Self-criticism
  topic: keywords
subject: Somatic complaints
  topic: keywords
subject: Adolescents
  topic: keywords
creator: Ali Aghaziarati
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
date: 2025-04-01
publication date: 2025-04-01
starting page: 10
ending page: 19
doi: 10.61838/kman.jppr.3.2.2