Mapping Stress in the Body- Psychological Safety and Somatic Experiences in Emerging Adults

Abstract

Stress is not an abstract process occurring only in the psyche, but one that leaves its mark upon the body. While there is extensive research conducted into stress and bodily complaints, there still exist two main gaps: the moderating effect of psychological safety perception and the lack of spatial embodiment methodologies used in studies conducted in India. These gaps will be addressed by using a convergent mixed-method design with 40 emerging adults (ages 18-25) recruited from Ahmedabad, India. The subjects were asked to fill out the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), Neuroception of Psychological Safety Scale (NPSS), and Somatic Symptom Scale-8 (SSS-8). A selected sub-group of 10 individuals will participate in a six week body mapping exercise. The quantitative results indicated the presence of a highly significant positive correlation between experienced stress and somatic symptoms severity, r(38) = .519, p < .001, which supported Hypothesis 1. Hypothesis 2 only got partial support because although there was no significant correlation found for the overall NPSS scale score, r = −.207, p = .199, there was significant negative correlation for its Body Sensation subscale (r = −.389, p = .013), meaning felt bodily safety proved a more significant protective factor. The results can be explained based on Polyvagal Theory and the difference between neuroception and cognition of safety. The body-mapping thematic analysis generated five main themes: body as an alarm system, the temporality of stress experience, embodied coping, body biography, and interoceptive awakening.