A Comparative Study of Factors Influencing Depression and Somatization Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Biopsychosocial Model Approach in Korea and Japan

Key Points

• This research examines factors influencing depression and somatization symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Comparative analysis of survey responses from 900 adults in Korea and 714 adults in Japan.
• Utilization of a biopsychosocial model framework to understand influences.
• Analysis of factors like anxiety, loneliness, and stress affecting symptoms.
• In Korea, anxiety, loneliness, peer conflict, and increased alcohol consumption significantly affected depression.
• Somatization in Korea was influenced by anxiety, worsening comorbid conditions, loneliness, gender, family conflict, and increased smoking.
• In Japan, only anxiety influenced depression significantly, and somatization was linked to anxiety, worsening comorbid conditions, stress, and younger age.

Abstract