The Psychosomatic Relationship Between Gut Health, Perceived Stress, And Emotional Regulation: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis

This study examines the psychosomatic relationship between gut health, perceived stress, and emotional regulation from a qualitative perspective. Increasing evidence suggests that psychological stress and physiological functioning are closely interconnected; however, limited qualitative research has explored how everyday stressors manifest as gut-related symptoms through emotional dysregulation. The present study aimed to understand the lived experiences of individuals reporting stress-related gastrointestinal disturbances and associated emotional difficulties. A qualitative research design was adopted using a phenomenological orientation, and data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 30 participants aged between 18 and 45 years, including IT professionals and college-going individuals. Participants commonly reported chronic academic pressure, occupational stress, relationship conflicts, financial concerns, and familial expectations as persistent stressors. These stressors were frequently associated with symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, altered bowel movements, appetite disturbances, sleep difficulties, headaches, back pain, and shoulder pain, despite the absence of identifiable organic pathology. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis, which yielded four major themes: perceived stress and emotional overload, emotional dysregulation and somatic awareness, gut health disturbances as psychosomatic expressions, and impact on daily functioning and self-concept. The findings revealed that prolonged, unaddressed stress significantly disrupted emotional regulation, leading to cumulative psychosomatic symptoms affecting gut health and overall well-being. The study highlights the clinical importance of recognizing gut-related complaints as potential psychosomatic indicators of emotional distress. The findings underscore the need for integrative mental health interventions that address emotional regulation and stress management as essential components of psychosomatic and gut-focused care.