Modeling the PHQ-15: The factor structure of somatic symptoms in a large community sample

= 1405). Confirmatory factor analyzes using WLSMV evaluated alternative structures reported in the literature. Several multifactor models showed acceptable fit, but a four-factor model comprising pain, cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal, and fatigue domains provided the best overall fit and outperformed a one-factor solution. Inter-factor correlations were high, indicating substantial overlap between domains and supporting the utility of the total PHQ-15 score. Males reported slightly lower symptom burdens, and younger adults reported more somatic complaints. Findings support multidimensionality alongside a strong general somatic distress tendency, though the PHQ-15 does not fully align with ICD-11 bodily distress disorder criteria.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Health Psychology
Published
2026-04-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/13591053261442550
Primary Topic
Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Modeling the PHQ-15: The factor structure of somatic symptoms in a large community sample

Mark E. Shevlin, Eoin McElroy, James Cunningham
Journal of Health Psychology
Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments
article

Modeling the PHQ-15: The factor structure of somatic symptoms in a large community sample

Mark E. Shevlin, Eoin McElroy, James Cunningham
article en

Abstract

= 1405). Confirmatory factor analyzes using WLSMV evaluated alternative structures reported in the literature. Several multifactor models showed acceptable fit, but a four-factor model comprising pain, cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal, and fatigue domains provided the best overall fit and outperformed a one-factor solution. Inter-factor correlations were high, indicating substantial overlap between domains and supporting the utility of the total PHQ-15 score. Males reported slightly lower symptom burdens, and younger adults reported more somatic complaints. Findings support multidimensionality alongside a strong general somatic distress tendency, though the PHQ-15 does not fully align with ICD-11 bodily distress disorder criteria.

Journal of Health Psychology
University of Ulster (GB)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 6%
Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments
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