Anhedonia and alexithymia: Distinct or overlapping constructs

Author(s): Fremaux, D., Boyer, P.

Journal/Book: Percept Mot Skills. 1997; 84: PO Box 9229, Missoula, MT 59807. Perceptual Motor Skills. 415-425.

Abstract: The aim was to examine the relationship between alexithymia, anhedonia, and capacity for displeasure in a group of 133 healthy subjects using principal components analysis. A correlation matrix comprised of items from both the Communication and Identification scale of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Physical Pleasure-Displeasure Scale yielded a four-factor solution (one Communication-identification, two Pleasure, and one Displeasure factor) with no overlap of the significant factor loadings for the items from each scale. Moreover, there were no positive significant correlations between the Communication and Identification Scales and the Physical Anhedonia Scale. Our findings support the view that physical anhedonia is a construct distinct and separate from alexithymia.

Note: Article Loas G, Univ Amiens, Hop Pinel, Psychiat Serv, F-80044 Amiens 01, FRANCE

Keyword(s): MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER; PHYSICAL ANHEDONIA; HEDONIC CAPACITY; VALIDATION; SCALE

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