a set of conceptual and intellectual approaches that explain the relationship between psychological, biological and social factors in the emergence and development of psychosomatic disorders.
1) Biological dimension – the theory of how neurological and hormonal changes in the body affect both physical and mental health. Under the influence of psychological stress, the brain activates the autonomic nervous system and endocrine glands, producing hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These biochemicals help the body respond quickly to emergencies by increasing heart rate and blood pressure, as well as increasing energy inflow. However, chronic secretion of these hormones leads to negative effects on organ systems such as the cardiovascular, immune and digestive systems, increasing the likelihood of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and stomach ulcers. The biological dimension emphasizes that psychological stress is not just an emotional experience; It leads to tangible physiological changes that directly affect physical health.
2) Psychological dimension – examines the role of internal emotions and coping strategies in promoting or mitigating the development of somatic illness. Negative emotions such as constant anxiety, repressed anger, or deep sadness, if not expressed or processed, can transform into physical symptoms in which the body expresses what the psyche cannot express. Coping strategies also play a key role in determining the extent to which stress affects their health. The use of positive coping strategies, such as problem-solving, seeking social support, or practicing relaxation, reduces the detrimental effects of stress, while the use of negative strategies, such as denial, suppression, overeating, and smoking, increases the likelihood of experiencing psychosomatic symptoms. This dimension emphasizes the importance of deep psychological factors for understanding the relationship between the mind and the body.
3) Social dimension – the influence of the environment, social relations, culture and economic situation on mental and physical health. Positive relationships and social support from family and friends help mitigate the effects of psychological stress and act as a protective factor that increases a person’s ability to adapt. At the same time, the lack of support or the presence of family conflicts and toxic relationships increases stress and, therefore, the likelihood of developing psychosomatic symptoms. A person’s economic and social situation also plays an important role, as poverty, unemployment and social insecurity are associated with increased chronic stress, which affects both physical and mental health. In addition, culture influences how people perceive illness and express their suffering. In some cultures, mental disorders tend to manifest themselves through physical symptoms rather than through the direct expression of feelings. In this way, the social dimension demonstrates that people do not live in isolation from their surroundings, but are deeply influenced by their attitudes and social circumstances that affect their physical and mental health and well-being.