Interoceptive Awareness, Decision-Making Styles, And Perceived Stress Among Young Adults

Abstract

Interoceptive awareness refers to the ability to perceive and interpret internal bodily sensations such as heartbeat, breathing, and visceral feelings. Increasing evidence suggests that awareness of bodily signals plays an important role in emotional regulation and psychological well-being. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between interoceptive awareness and perceived stress among young adults. A quantitative correlational design was used with a sample of 120 participants aged between 18 and 25 years. Participants completed the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated a significant negative relationship between interoceptive awareness and perceived stress, suggesting that individuals with greater awareness of bodily sensations reported lower levels of stress. The findings highlight the importance of body awareness in psychological functioning and suggest that interventions that enhance interoceptive awareness may contribute to better stress management.