The impact of stress on the emergence of psychosomatic symptoms and modern methods of emotional and somatic regulation

Abstract

The article investigates the role of chronic stress in the emergence of psychosomatic symptoms and examines current emotional and somatic regulation methods intended to reduce the effects of stress-related disorders. Particular attention is paid to psychophysiological mechanisms of stress reactions and the interaction between emotional experiences and somatic manifestations. The relevance of psychosomatic health issues is emphasized in the context of prolonged social instability, military conflict, and increasing psychological burden in modern society.
The theoretical analysis focuses on the role of neuroendocrine and autonomic nervous system dysregulation in the formation of psychosomatic symptoms, including headaches, muscle tension, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular reactions, and chronic fatigue. The study highlights the contribution of emotional suppression, alexithymia, maladaptive coping mechanisms, and prolonged emotional tension to the manifestation of psychosomatic responses. It further explores the effects of chronic stress on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity, cortisol release, and autonomic nervous system regulation.
The research is grounded in a combination of theoretical analysis, comparative examination, systematization, and synthesis of psychological, medical, and neurobiological literature addressing stress, psychosomatic phenomena, and mechanisms of emotional self-regulation. Contemporary approaches to stress reduction are analyzed, including mindfulness practices, bodyoriented techniques, somatic experiencing, emotional awareness strategies, and tension release methods. Particular emphasis is placed on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) as an evidence-based approach to emotional regulation and stress management.
The findings indicate that emotional and body-oriented techniques reduce physiological stress reactivity, improve emotional awareness, normalize autonomic nervous system functioning, and strengthen adaptive coping resources. The study confirms the importance of integrating psychological and psychophysiological approaches in the prevention and reduction of psychosomatic symptoms.