The Relationship Between Coping Behaviors and Misophonia Symptom Severity and Impairment

Author

Ruth Emmon TysonFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-10-2023

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Laura J. Dixon

Second Advisor

Karen K. Kellum

Third Advisor

Sarah A. Bilsky

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

Misophonia is a complex disorder that is characterized by an extreme disliking of sounds. Individuals with misophonia may engage in anxiety-driven coping behaviors that constitute avoidance and safety behaviors. Current literature shows that while coping behavior may offer temporary relief of anxiety and distress, they can lead to persisting anxiety and avoidance of experiences. Given preliminary evidence demonstrating a link between coping behaviors and maintained or worsening symptoms, additional research is warranted to further understand the role of coping behaviors in misophonia. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between coping behaviors and maintenance or worsening of misophonia symptom severity and related impairment. As such, the aims of the current study were to 1) examine the correlation between the use of coping behaviors deployed before, during, and after misophonia triggers on misophonia symptom severity and impairment and 2) investigate the mediating role of coping behaviors on trigger count and misophonia symptom severity. The sample included 62 community members (M = 28.6 years; 82.1% female; 79.1% White) who screened positive for misophonia. Participants completed self-report questionnaires. Bivariate correlations indicated that coping behaviors (before, during, and after misophonia triggers) were significantly correlated with misophonia symptom severity and impairment, supporting our hypotheses. Counter to prediction, the total frequency of coping behaviors was not a significant mediator of trigger count and misophonia symptom severity. The findings indicate that future research should consider exposure therapy and reducing avoidance-related coping behaviors as an effective treatment for a reduction of misophonia symptom and severity.

Recommended Citation

Tyson, Ruth Emmon, "The Relationship Between Coping Behaviors and Misophonia Symptom Severity and Impairment" (2023). Honors Theses. 2853.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/2853

Accessibility Status

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