Mental health articles

Sociocultural of Somatization Disorder

Sociocultural aspects of somatization have received considerable attention. As noted earlier, somatization is a worldwide phenomenon. Sociocultural aspects of somatization may really reflect differences in the way individuals somatize rather than psychologize their distress as a coping response. In other cultures, the distinction between body and mind is usually not made. Especially within the Western culture, somatization and psychologization tend to be seen as mutually exclusive response styles.
However, even Western societies are increasing their rates of somatization, despite the greater quality of medical care. It will be interesting to observe whether, with the advent of managed care in Western societies, the frequency and expression of somatization will change.

Tags: disorder, somatization