Negative Stress Beliefs Predict Somatic Symptoms in Students Under Academic Stress

PURPOSE: Medically unexplained symptoms are abundantly present in the general population. Stress may lead to increased symptom reporting because of widespread beliefs that it is dangerous for one’s health. This study aimed at clarifying the role of stress beliefs in somatic symptom reporting using a quasi-experimental study design. METHODS: Two hundred sixteen German university students (60 % of an initial sample of 363) were examined at the beginning of the term (less stressful period) and at the end of the term (stressful period due to exams). Negative beliefs about stress at baseline were expected to predict somatic symptoms at follow-up. RESULTS: Negative beliefs about stress at baseline significantly predicted somatic symptoms at follow-up (β = 0.16, p = .012), even when controlling for general strain, physical and mental health status, neuroticism, optimism, and somatosensory amplification. CONCLUSIONS: Being convinced that “stress is bad for you” was prospectively associated with somatic symptoms during a stressful period. Further research in patients with medically unexplained conditions is warranted to corroborate these findings.