| |
| author |
Caio Hummel Hohl
| | title |
Relationship Between Interoceptive Awareness, Mindfulness, and Somatization: Examining Competing Perspectives
| | abstract |
Historically, a high focus on somatic experiences, i.e., bodily signals, was conceptualized
negatively, as it was associated with hypervigilance and maladaptive somatic checking
behaviors. However, with the emergence of research evidence supporting the clinical utility of
mindfulness, scholars have questioned the notion that high somatic focus is inherently
problematic. The present study investigated two competing theories of somatization, in which
one suggests that high interoceptive awareness leads to somatization (cognitive behavioral
model, CBM), while the other claims instead that low interoceptive awareness leads to
somatization (predictive framework). The goal of this study was to examine the relationships
between interoceptive awareness, mindfulness, and somatization, with the intent of exploring the
evidence for both theories of somatization. Participants provided data regarding their sensory and
affective tendencies toward somatization, levels of interoceptive awareness, levels of
mindfulness, the degree to which they endorsed cognitive distortions and the extent to which
they avoid unpleasant experiences. Evidence was found for both theoretical frameworks of
somatization. The clinical implications for conceptualizing those two theories as complementary,
rather than competing or conflicting, are discussed. This study has potential implications for how
to better encompass individual differences and enhance treatment outcomes. To conclude, the
limitations of the current study and ideals for future research directions are discussed.
| | school |
The College of Liberal Arts, Drew University
| | degree |
B.A. (2022)
|
| advisor |
Adijat Mustapha
|
| full text | CHummelHohl.pdf |
| |
