Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between meta-cognitive beliefs about emotions and somatization. In study 1, Beliefs about Emotions Questionnaire(BAEQ), which measures beliefs about experiencing negative feelings, was translated into Korean and was validated. An explanatory factor analysis showed the same 6-factor construct ('overwhelming and uncontrollable', 'shameful and irrational', 'invalid and meaningless', 'useless', 'damaging', 'contagious') as the original Questionnaire, and the results of reliability analysis showed an adequate internal consistency. Correlation analysis showed that BAEQ was positively correlated with emotional dysregulation, anxiety, and depression, while BAEQ was negatively correlated with the satisfaction with life. In study 2, the effect of meta-cognitive beliefs about emotions on somatization was explored by using self-report data from participants of the first study. A correlation analysis showed that BAEQ was positively correlated with somatization, alexithymia, and negative emotions. The results of hierarchical analysis showed that the beliefs about emotions predicted somatization, as well as negative emotions and alexithymia. Beliefs about emotions were also determined to moderate the relationship between negative emotions and somatization. When negative emotions were replaced by anxiety or depression, the results of the analysis were similar, respectively. Finally, the implications and limitations of this study and suggestions for future research are discussed.