Investigating the Relationship between Object Relations Patterns and Somatization Symptoms Mediated by Alexithymia (A model Based on Bion's Point of View): A Descriptive Study

One of the most common problems in the general population is somatization symptoms. Therefore, identifying the factors that play a role in causing these symptoms will be effective in preventing their occurrence. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between object relations patterns and somatization symptoms mediated by alexithymia.

The method of this research was descriptive modeling. For this purpose, 295 people living in Semnan in the age range of 18 to 60 years were selected by convenience sampling method and answered the questionnaires of Bell Object Relations, somatization symptoms (PHQ-15), and Toronto Alexithymia with an internet survey in February and March 2021. Data were analyzed by Pearson’s correlation test and structural equation modeling.

The results showed that this model has a good fitness, and there was a significant positive relationship (p<0.05) between object relations patterns and somatization symptoms (T= 3.601, β= 0.538) and alexithymia (T=11.756, β= 0.800), but no significant relationship was observed between somatization symptoms and alexithymia (T=0.816, β=0.110) and as a result, the mediating role of alexithymia in data analysis was not significant (p>0.05).

These findings show that by identifying the object relations patterns in individuals, it is possible to predict the likelihood of developing somatization symptoms and alexithymia to some extent. Therefore, it is recommended that clinical therapists need to consider the object relations patterns of the individuals with somatization symptoms in communicating with them.