Defense mechanisms and Somatization: The effect of defense hierarchy on somatization

The aim of present study was to evaluate the possible role of dominant defense styles in predicting somatization symptoms and general health. 253 university in students, including 149 female and 104 male, were studied with Defense Style Questionnaire (Andrews, 1993), Symptoms of Somatization (Rief and Hiller, 1998), and General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg, 1979). The results showed that defense mechanisms act as a predictor of somatization symptoms and general health. Mature defense styles negatively predicted somatization and positively predicted general health. Immature defenses were positive predictor of somatization and neurotic styles were negative predictor of general health. Moreover, autistic fantasy, acting out, isolation, and undoing defenses, specifically and positively predicted somatization symptoms. The results are an evidence for the possible role of defense styles in an inducing and a relapsing of psychosomatic disorders. Psychotherapies can reduce somatization and improve general health by focusing on the defense styles which have an important role in.