Somatization Tendencies and Ability to Detect Internal Body Cues

Abstract

39 subjects performed a task in which they were required to detect the presence of a resistive load during the inhalation phase of breathing. Subjects were also measured on somatization tendencies, using the SCL-90-R test. A signal-detection analysis indicated an inverse relationship between ability to detect the resistive load during breathing and somatization score. Results are discussed relative to possible ramifications for somatoform disorders.