The Mediator Role of Experiential Avoidance in the Relationship between Perceived Stress and Somatic Symptoms, Algılanan Stres ve Somatik Semptomlar Arasındaki İlişkide Deneyimsel Kaçınmanın Aracı Rolü

Abstract

Experiential avoidance is a coping strategy that is adopted so often when dealing with unwanted internal experiences, such as emotions, thoughts and memories. Experiential avoidance is associated with mental disorders, such as depression and PTSD, as well as the manifestation of somatic symptoms despite providing short-term relief. This study aimed to explore the mediator role of experiential avoidance in the relationship between perceived stress and somatic symptoms. Data were collected from 371 participants who filled out the survey on online platforms. The survey consisted of demographic form and scales for experiential avoidance, perceived stress and somatic symptoms. SPSS version 23 was used to analyse data. Pearson correlation, descriptive statistics and mediation analysis were employed. According to the research analysis, it was revealed that experiential avoidance had a mediator role in the relationship between perceived stress and somatic symptoms’ intensity. Furthermore, three variables were significantly correlated with each other. Experiential avoidance as a coping strategy with perceived stress was a mediator for the manifestation of somatic symptoms burden. The results will guide mental health professionals and individuals with chronic somatic symptom burden, such as headaches, dizziness and fibromyalgia, to adopt more acceptance-based strategies in dealing with stressful situations. © 2024 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.