Adverse childhood experiences, internalising difficulties, identity and reflective function in adolescence within the context of somatic complaints

Abstract

Limited research exists on somatic complaints among adolescents in Lithuania. However, international studies indicate that 4% to 30% of adolescents may experience severe somatic complaints interfering with engagement in developmentally appropriate activities and affecting the quality of an adolescent's daily life. Previous research has established a link between somatic complaints and various psychosocial factors, such as adverse childhood experiences, internalising difficulties, identity disturbance, and mentalising abilities. However, the interrelation of these factors during adolescence still needs to be explored. The current study aims to identify groups of adolescents based on their level of somatic complaints, adverse childhood experiences, internalising difficulties, identity disturbances, and reflective function.