This dissertation is accessible only to the Illinois State University community.
- Off-Campus ISU Users: To download this item, click the "Off-Campus Download" button below. You will be prompted to log in with your ISU ULID and password.
- Non-ISU Users: Contact your library to request this item through interlibrary loan.
Graduation Term
Spring 2026
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Department of Psychology
Committee Chair
Laura Finan
Committee Member
Daniel Lannin
Abstract
Psychological distress is often expressed through physical complaints, making somatic symptoms an important concern among higher education students. Although prior research has documented a strong association between psychological distress and somatic symptoms, less is known about psychosocial factors that may be related to this relationship. The present study examined whether perceived belongingness moderated the association between psychological distress and somatic symptoms among higher education students.
Participants included students (N = 402, M = 19.62, SD = 1.50, 82.3% female, 62.5% White) from a large Midwestern university who completed measures of psychological distress, perceived belongingness, and somatic symptoms. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted while controlling gender and age.
Results indicated that psychological distress was positively associated with somatic symptoms, such that students reporting greater distress also reported more physical complaints. However, perceived belongingness did not significantly moderate this relationship. Although belongingness was related to both distress and somatic symptoms, it did not alter the strength of their association. These findings reinforce the close connection between psychological distress and somatic symptoms among higher education students and suggest that belongingness may function as a general protective factor rather than a specific buffer in their association.
Access Type
Thesis-ISU Access Only
Recommended Citation
Hossain, Tasfia, "The Role of Perceived Belongingness in the Relationship Between Psychological Distress and Somatic Symptoms in Higher Education Students" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 2261.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/2261