Scale Analysis

The Somatization of Emotional Conflict Scale (SECS-20) is a psychological and clinical tool used to measure the extent to which individuals physically experience emotional conflict. The scale consists of 20 statements describing emotional experiences related to conflict. Participants rate the degree to which they have felt each emotion on a scale from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely). The scores are summed to provide a total score, with higher scores indicating greater somatization of emotional conflict.

Objective

The objective of the SECS-20 is to provide a measure of how individuals physically perceive their emotional experiences during conflicts or challenging situations. This is achieved through a series of statements that describe emotional states, which participants evaluate based on the intensity of their physical experience. Psychologists, clinical practitioners, and researchers use this scale to better understand the bodily response to emotional conflict and to assess the intensity of emotional reactions in various scenarios. This information can support the development of tailored interventions or therapeutic approaches for managing emotional conflict and improving individual well-being.

Scoring

The SECS-20 consists of 20 items, which are rated as follows:
1 = Less than once a month
2 = Once or twice a month
3 = Three or four times a month
4 = More than four times a month

References

Borckardt, J. J., Younger, J. W., Adams, B. J., & Nash, M. R. (2000). Toward a better understanding of the relationship between somatization and hypnotizability. Paper presented at the meeting of the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, Seattle, WA.

Borckardt, J. J. (2002). Physiological reactivity to mental imagery as a predictor of somatization and psychopathology. University of Tennessee, Doctoral Dissertation.

Willis, L. (2002). Self-efficacy, Psychosomatic Illness, and Psychopathology. Senior Thesis Projects, 1993–2002.