Coping Strategies in Patients with Psychosomatic Disorders: A Grounded Theory Study

Abstract

This study aimed to discover the coping strategies used by patients with psychosomatic disorders through a grounded theory approach. Twenty participants were selected using theoretical sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed using Strauss and Corbin’s coding procedures. Findings revealed three primary coping strategies: rationalizing symptoms, resorting to religious frameworks, and avoidance of stress-inducing situations. The core category identified was “searching for mind-body equilibrium.” These findings can inform individualized intervention programs for managing psychosomatic symptoms.