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 aims to explore the impact of obsessive-compulsive personality traits on the management of chronic illness. A qualitative research design was used, focusing on semi-structured interviews with 20 participants who exhibited obsessive-compulsive personality traits and were managing chronic illnesses. Participants were recruited from outpatient clinics, support groups, and online forums. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using NVivo software. The analysis involved coding and identifying themes and subthemes to capture the essence of participants' experiences. The analysis revealed three primary themes: rigidity in daily routines, health anxiety and hyper-vigilance, and emotional and psychological impact. Participants described a reliance on structured schedules and routines, which, while helpful in managing their illness, often led to significant stress when disrupted. Health anxiety manifested as constant monitoring and fear of contamination, contributing to heightened stress and anxiety. The emotional toll included feelings of inadequacy, self-criticism, and emotional exhaustion. These findings align with previous research on the pervasive effects of obsessive-compulsive traits on mental health and daily functioning, emphasizing the dual role of these traits in facilitating and complicating chronic illness management. Obsessive-compulsive personality traits significantly impact the management of chronic illnesses, influencing behaviors and emotional well-being. The study highlights the need for tailored interventions that address both the psychological and practical aspects of illness management. Future research should include larger and more diverse samples and explore the effectiveness of various interventions. Healthcare providers should develop individualized care plans to support patients with these traits, enhancing their quality of life and illness outcomes.

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.

The objective of this study is to qualitatively examine the intricate relationships between childhood trauma, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), and somatic symptoms. This qualitative study involved 32 participants diagnosed with DID and a history of childhood trauma. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which were designed to elicit detailed narratives about participants' experiences. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software to identify key themes and patterns within the data. The study continued data collection until theoretical saturation was achieved, ensuring a robust and comprehensive understanding of the phenomena under investigation. The analysis revealed several key themes related to the impact of childhood trauma on emotional, cognitive, behavioral, social, and physical health. Participants reported significant emotional distress, maladaptive behaviors, cognitive disruptions, and social challenges. The manifestation of DID included identity alteration, triggers and switches, coping mechanisms, interpersonal difficulties, emotional regulation issues, and impaired daily functioning. Additionally, participants experienced a range of somatic symptoms, including chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular problems, neurological symptoms, immune system impacts, sleep disturbances, and stress-related symptoms. These findings align with existing literature on the neurobiological and psychological effects of childhood trauma and dissociation. The study underscores the profound and multifaceted impact of childhood trauma on individuals with DID, highlighting the need for holistic, integrative, and culturally sensitive approaches to treatment. By addressing both psychological and physical dimensions of dissociative disorders, clinicians can develop more effective therapeutic strategies. Future research should focus on expanding the sample size, incorporating longitudinal and quantitative analyses, and exploring innovative therapeutic interventions to further enhance clinical outcomes.

In recent years, the integration of patient narratives in psychosomatic and personality research has gained significant traction. This approach, which emphasizes understanding patients' lived experiences, offers profound insights into the complex interplay between psychological states and physical health. Patient narratives not only illuminate the subjective aspects of illness but also foster a deeper understanding of the psychosocial factors that influence health outcomes. This letter aims to highlight the crucial role of patient narratives in advancing psychosomatic and personality research, supported by recent literature. In conclusion, the integration of patient narratives in psychosomatic and personality research offers a powerful tool for understanding the complex interplay between mind and body. By capturing the richness of patients' lived experiences, narrative methods provide valuable insights that can inform both research and clinical practice. As we continue to explore the potential of narrative approaches, it is crucial to ensure that these methods are applied rigorously and thoughtfully to truly capture the essence of the patient experience.

Thank you for considering this perspective on the importance of patient narratives in psychosomatic and personality research. I believe that continued exploration and integration of these methods will significantly enhance our understanding and management of psychosomatic conditions.

The objective of this study was to explore the perspectives of individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on health behavior change, identifying key motivators, barriers, and strategies that influence these changes. This qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews with 24 participants diagnosed with PTSD. Participants were recruited from a mental health clinic and interviewed about their experiences with health behavior change. Data were analyzed using NVivo software, following a thematic analysis approach to identify common themes and subthemes. The sample size was determined by theoretical saturation. The study identified five main motivators for health behavior change: personal health awareness, support systems, personal goals and aspirations, understanding trauma's impact on health, and professional guidance. Barriers included psychological (anxiety, depression, fear of failure), social and environmental (lack of support, unhealthy environments), lack of knowledge, physical (chronic pain, fatigue), reluctance to change, and systemic issues (healthcare access). Strategies for overcoming these barriers involved psychological techniques (e.g., mindfulness, CBT), social support, education and awareness, physical health interventions, adaptive coping mechanisms, systemic support, and professional guidance. For example, 58.3% of participants (14 out of 24) emphasized the importance of family encouragement in motivating health changes, while 41.7% (10 out of 24) reported chronic pain as a significant barrier. Health behavior change in individuals with PTSD is influenced by a complex interplay of motivators and barriers. Effective strategies include psychological therapies, social support, education, and systemic changes. Understanding these factors can help practitioners develop comprehensive interventions to support health behavior change in individuals with PTSD, ultimately improving their overall well-being and quality of life.

This study aims to investigate the relationships between emotional exhaustion, empathic concern, and dispositional optimism in a diverse sample of professionals. The primary objective is to determine how empathic concern and dispositional optimism predict levels of emotional exhaustion. A cross-sectional study design was employed with a sample of 300 participants drawn from healthcare, education, and corporate sectors. Participants completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory for emotional exhaustion, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index for empathic concern, and the Life Orientation Test-Revised for dispositional optimism. Pearson correlation coefficients and linear regression analyses were conducted using SPSS version 27 to examine the relationships between the variables. The results indicated significant negative correlations between emotional exhaustion and both empathic concern (r = -0.45, p < 0.001) and dispositional optimism (r = -0.52, p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed that empathic concern (β = -0.31, p < 0.001) and dispositional optimism (β = -0.39, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of emotional exhaustion, explaining 42% of the variance (R² = 0.42, F(2, 297) = 52.34, p < 0.001). The findings suggest that higher levels of empathic concern and dispositional optimism are associated with lower levels of emotional exhaustion. These results underscore the importance of fostering empathy and optimism in professional settings to enhance psychological resilience and reduce burnout. Interventions aimed at increasing empathic concern and dispositional optimism could be beneficial in mitigating emotional exhaustion among professionals.