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Psychosomatic symptoms are subjective physical complaints that result from the interplay of psychosocial and physiological processes. These symptoms are found to be quite common among school- age children, and have a significant impact on their daily lives. However, little is known about the extent of this problem in Malaysia. This study was carried out to identify common psychosomatic symptoms among school-age children in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. In addition to common psychosomatic symptoms, this study also identified stress levels and the coping strategies employed by children and adolescents to deal with stress. The relationship between stress levels, coping strategies and psychosomatic symptoms were also tested and discussed based on the Transactional Theory of Stress and Coping. Understanding this relationship is essential for professionals in the fields of medicine, nursing and education, or anyone who deals directly with children suffering from these symptoms, or wish to conduct further research in this field.

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Stephanie Chia J. Y. Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia. Staff Nurse at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.

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