Bodily Sensitivity and Hypochondriasis

Abstract

The propensity to experience the somatic sensations as disturbing and noxious has been postulated as being a pathogenic factor in hypochondriasis. This somatic amplification style may also be a non-specific characteristic of some mental disorders with physical symptomatology. The aim of the current study has been to examine the somatic amplification style in the normal population. With this purpose 457 subjects completed the following instruments: Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SAS); Private Body Consciousness scale (Body Consciousness Questionnaire); MMPI Hypochondriasis scale; State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory. Our results showed a satisfactory internal consistency, content validity and concurrent validity of the SAS. Moreover, total scores greater than 21 on this scale could be considered as a reliable cut-off point to identify persons who tend to amplify their somatic sensations.