The mediational role of differentiation of self in the relationship between attachment patterns and somatization

INST: L_135Background and aims: Up to almost 60% of patients in primary care settings complain of physical symptoms that have no medical basis or are incongruent with the degree of illness indicated by objective tests or observable signs. These unexplained physical symptoms have the potential to affect the individual’s quality of life adversely. Thus, the scientific community has been investing significant efforts in order to explain the somatization phenomenon. The current study examined the relationship between attachment patterns, differentiation of self, and somatization using an Israeli sample of adults. The main goal of the study was to examine whether differentiation of self serves as a mediator of the relationship between attachment patterns and somatization. Following this, we attempted to examine the possible contributions of early adverse experiences and relational-developmental factors on the development and maintenance of unexplained physical symptoms. Methods: A community sample of 105 adults completed a packet of self-report Hebrew questionnaires assessing attachment styles, differentiation of self-levels, and somatization levels. The participant were Israelis between the ages of 18-73. Results: The main findings showed that the positive association between insecure anxious attachment and increased somatization was mediated through lower levels of differentiation of self. Moreover, insecure avoidant attachment had an indirect effect on increased somatization through lower levels of differentiation of self. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that individuals who are insecurely attached and less differentiated might be at risk for increased unexplained symptomatology. We suggest that therapists should consider various aspects of self-differentiation and attachment style when treating individuals suffering from psychosomatic symptom