a concept that focuses on the role of thoughts, perceptions, and beliefs in explaining the development of psychosomatic symptoms. People who are prone to catastrophic thinking, exaggerating threats, or negatively interpreting minor changes in the body are more likely to experience these symptoms. Distorted thought patterns, such as overgeneralizing or focusing on negativity, increase psychological stress, activate the autonomic nervous system, and cause physical symptoms. This theory emphasizes that changing unrealistic thinking and using more flexible cognitive styles can help alleviate symptoms.