GENDER CHARACTERISTICS OF PSYCHOSOMATIC SYMPTOMS IN ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

This article examines gender-specific features of psychosomatic symptoms among adolescents, focusing on the interaction between biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors. The study synthesizes contemporary findings from psychosomatic medicine, developmental psychology, and adolescent psychiatry to explain how stress-related physical symptoms manifest differently in boys and girls. Particular attention is given to hormonal regulation, emotional processing, coping strategies, and gendered social expectations. The findings indicate that female adolescents more frequently report internalizing psychosomatic symptoms (e.g., headaches, fatigue, gastrointestinal discomfort), while male adolescents demonstrate relatively higher rates of externalizing or somatization-linked behavioral responses. The article highlights the importance of gender-sensitive diagnostic and preventive approaches in educational and clinical settings.