Life events and somatisation among students

Abstract

137 first year undergraduates presenting to the student health service were studied to assess the effect of life events, locus of control, psychiatric symptoms and illness behaviour in determining whether a psychological or physical symptom was presented to the doctor. Psychological presenters were small in number, but showed significantly more life events additional to those expected during the first year of higher education. They also showed greater external attribution for affiliation and more prominent illness behaviour. 65% of the sample showed GHQ scores indicating probable psychiatric illness. Those with a high GHQ score and physical presentation, who did not have an organic basis for their symptoms were termed ‘somatisers’. Like those with a psychological presentation, the somatisers had experienced a break, or serious difficulty in a close relationship with a member of the opposite sex, or the death of a close relative or friend. This study has used a new method of assessment of life events among students and the results indicate the high prevalence of somatisation among first year college students attending the health centre.