Is development and persistence of multiple physical symptoms associated with coping? A longitudinal study over a decade

To examine the development and persistence of multiple physical symptoms (MPS) over a decade including the associations with sociodemographics and coping strategies. A longitudinal study of 16,405 individuals aged 20–64 years participating in the Danish Symptom Cohort (DaSC) was conducted in 2012 with follow-up data in 2022 (DaSC II). MPS were assessed according to the unifying diagnostic construct of bodily distress syndrome, and coping was measured with the Brief Approach/Avoidance Coping Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Among individuals not having MPS in 2012, 17 % had developed MPS in 2022. Among individuals having MPS in 2012, 57 % had persistence of MPS in 2022. Individuals who developed or had persistence of MPS at follow-up were more likely to be female, have lower educational level, be immigrant, redeem antidepressants, have lower approach scores as well as higher diversion and resignation scores. Individuals responding to stressful situations with low approach, high diversion, and high resignation may be at higher risk of developing MPS and have persistence of MPS. As coping can be targeted through psychotherapy, it is important to focus on maladaptive strategies, especially in high-risk groups for developing and maintaining MPS. •57 % had multiple physical symptoms (MPS) at both baseline and 10-year follow-up.•One in six individuals who did not have MPS at baseline, had MPS after 10 years.•High approach decreased the odds of developing and maintaining MPS.•High diversion and resignation increased the odds of developing and maintaining MPS.•… together with being female, immigrant, less educated, and redeeming antidepressants.