Health anxiety and hypochondriacal traits: an interpersonal perspective on excessive somatic concerns and complaints

Hypochondriasis is a complex disorder that has considerable impact on healthcare utilization and costs. Recent conceptualizations of hypochondriasis posit that it is a multicomponent construct, which varies along a continuum of severity. Cognitivebehavioral theory is the predominant conceptualization of hypochondriasis, but recent theoretical developments posit important interpersonal factors in the development and maintenance of the disorder resulting in an interpersonal model of hypochondriasis. The purpose of the current study was to replicate and extend the interpersonal model. One hundred twenty-two undergraduate students were asked to complete selfreport measures assessing demographic information, hypochondriacal tendencies, interpersonal traits and problems, interpersonal correlates, attachment, and personality. The multicomponent aspect of hypochondriasis was confirmed in which distinct patterns of correlations emerged among the various components and interpersonal correlates. The conviction component of hypochondriasis-the belief that one is really sick along with the frustration that others do not recognize this-was associated with the predicted hostile-submissive interpersonal style. Hypochondriacal tendencies were also associated with insecure, anxious attachment, interpersonal problems, increased loneliness and interpersonal stress, and decreased social support. The findings indicate that the interpersonal model of hypochondriasis might be refined by considering its multiple components, particularly the conviction component.