Perimenopausal stage: The mediator role of somatic symptoms in therelationship between sensory processing sensitivity and depressive symptoms

The aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of somatic symptoms in the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and depressive symptoms. The study was designed as a cross-sectional study using a correlational survey method. In this context, data were collected from 218 perimenopausal women through online forms. The Demographic Information Form, Sensory Processing Sensitivity Scale, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and Bradford Somatic Inventory were used for data collection. The differences in variables based on demographic factors were also evaluated. The results of the correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and depressive symptoms. Additionally, a significant positive relationship was found between sensory processing sensitivity and somatic symptoms. Lastly, a significant positive relationship was observed between somatic symptoms and depressive symptoms. Moreover, the mediating role of somatic symptoms in the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and depressive symptoms was found to be significant and positive. The findings were compared with the results of related studies in the literature. The comparisons were discussed from the perspective of existing findings and theoretical approaches. Finally, the study's limitations were presented, and suggestions for future research were provided. For clinicians working in the field, it was recommended that they should take degree of sensory processing sensitivity into account while working with women in the perimenopausal stage and should emphasize psychoeducational interventions. Key Words: perimenopausal stage, somatic symptoms, depressive symptoms, sensory processing sensitivity