Changes in Patient Discourse: A Qualitative Study Based on the Treatment Experience of Chinese Patients with Somatization Symptoms

This qualitative study examines the characteristics exhibited by Chinese patients with somatization symptoms during their treatment process, focusing on changes in illness interpretation and language use. A semi-structured in-depth interview was conducted with 10 patients receiving treatment in a clinical psychology department of a general hospital who reported somatic symptoms as their main complaint. The interview data were recorded and transcribed, and analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Two core themes emerged from the analysis: avoidance at the utterance level; and at the semantic level, power and contestation. Patients with somatization symptoms exhibit avoidance behaviors, and their experience of illness and the therapeutic process impact their discourse. Professionals should pay attention to patients’ own interpretations, cultural background and acceptance of the illness.