Test of an interpersonal model of hypochondriasis

Russell Noyes Jr; Scott P Stuart; Douglas R Langbehn; Rachel L Happel; Susan L Longley; Barbara A Muller; Steven J Yagla

doi:10.1097/01.psy.0000058377.50240.64

Back

Test of an interpersonal model of hypochondriasis

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Test of an interpersonal model of hypochondriasis

Russell Noyes Jr, Scott P Stuart, Douglas R Langbehn, Rachel L Happel, Susan L Longley, Barbara A Muller and Steven J Yagla

Psychosomatic medicine, Vol.65(2), pp.292-300

03/2003

DOI: 10.1097/01.psy.0000058377.50240.64

PMID: 12651997

View Online

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test the interpersonal model of hypochondriasis proposed by Stuart and Noyes. According to this model, hypochondriasis is associated with insecure attachment that in adults gives rise to abnormal care-seeking behavior. Such behavior is associated with interpersonal difficulties and strained patient-physician relationships. One hundred sixty-two patients attending a general medicine clinic were interviewed and asked to complete self-report measures. Instruments included the Whiteley Index of Hypochondriasis, Somatic Symptom Inventory, Relationship Scales Questionnaire, Inventory of Interpersonal Problems, NEO Five-Factor Index, and measures of physician-patient interaction. The Structured Diagnostic Interview for DSM-III-R Hypochondriasis was also administered. Hypochondriacal and somatic symptoms were positively correlated with all of the insecure attachment styles, especially the fearful style. These same symptoms were positively correlated with self-reported interpersonal problems and negatively correlated with patient ratings of satisfaction with, and reassurance from, medical care. Hypochondriacal and somatic symptoms were also positively correlated with neuroticism. The findings indicate that hypochondriacal patients are insecurely attached and have interpersonal problems that extend to and include the patient-physician relationship. These data support the proposed interpersonal model of hypochondriasis.

Object Attachment

Humans

Middle Aged

Models, Psychological

Male

Physician-Patient Relations

Hypochondriasis - psychology

Patient Acceptance of Health Care

Personality Tests

Adult

Female

Surveys and Questionnaires

Interpersonal Relations

Details

Title: Subtitle: Test of an interpersonal model of hypochondriasis
Creators: Russell Noyes Jr - Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa Colleges of Medicine and Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA. russell-noyes@uiowa.edu
Scott P Stuart
Douglas R Langbehn
Rachel L Happel
Susan L Longley
Barbara A Muller
Steven J Yagla
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Psychosomatic medicine, Vol.65(2), pp.292-300
DOI: 10.1097/01.psy.0000058377.50240.64
PMID: 12651997
NLM abbreviation: Psychosom Med
ISSN: 0033-3174
eISSN: 1534-7796
Publisher: United States
Language: English
Date published: 03/2003
Academic Unit: Psychiatry; Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9984003959302771

Metrics

22 Record Views

89 Times Cited - Web of Science