Body Wisdom: Interoceptive Control from a Perceptual Control Theory Perspective

The present study intended to construct an overarching theoretical framework, based on PerceptualControl Theory, that explains how the mind and body cooperate and when this cooperation isperceived as control (loss) related to mental health or psychological distress. The initial review ofliterature suggested that control, attention and the extent to which information of mind and bodyare integrated determine together whether individuals experience bodily sensations as beneficial ordetrimental. These insights resulted in the construction of the preliminary perceptual control modelof Body Wisdom. Grounded Theory was conducted to test and refine the initial model. Thirty-fivepeer-reviewed data sources were selected based on predetermined criteria. Subsequently, relevantdata segments from each source were collected, coded and analysed. Analysis of these excerptsdemonstrated that interoceptive sensibility is a complex, multifaceted process that involvesperceptions, interpretation of those perceptions and regulation processes all influenced byreferences related to what is important to the individual. Insights on factors and sub(sub)factorsdetermining the nature of one’s interoceptive experience resulted in a refinement of the initialmodel of Body Wisdom. The final model consists of one mode that explains psychological well-beingand five expressions of mental health problems explained in terms of control loss. These modes mayinform further research and development of psychological interventions by providing new insights inhow mental health problems arise and may be resolved.Keywords: interoceptive sensibility, perceptual control theory, interoceptive control, mentalhealth