The relationship between rumination, worry and somatization in adults

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between rumination, worry, and somatization in adults. A correlational model, one of the quantitative research designs, was used in the study. The study group consisted of 647 adult individuals aged 18 and over. Data were collected using the Short Form of the Rumination Scale, the Penn State Worry Questionnaire, the Somatization Subscale of the Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R), and a Personal Information Form. The data obtained were analyzed using IBM SPSS 23 and IBM AMOS 24. The hypotheses and predictive relationships of the study were examined through structural equation modeling. Relationships between the variables were analyzed using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation. Independent samples t-test was used to examine the variables in terms of age and gender.The analyses revealed a significant positive relationship between rumination, worry and somatization. It was found that both rumination and worry significantly predicted somatization. Moreover, the results indicated that worry played a partial mediating role in the relationship between rumination and somatization. When the results were examined in terms of gender, it was found that women had significantly higher levels of rumination, worry and somatization compared to men. Age-based analyses showed that individuals aged 18–30 had significantly higher levels of worry, rumination and somatization compared to those aged 31–45 and 46–55. Keywords: Rumination, Somatization, Worry