Alexithymia and anxiety: compounded relationships? A psychometric study

Author(s): Consoli, S., PerezDiaz, F., Jouvent, R.

Journal/Book: Eur Psychiat. 1999; 14: 23 Rue Linois, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France. Editions Scientifiques Medicales Elsevier. 372-378.

Abstract: This study is a careful examination of the relationships between different components of the alexithymia construct and state versus trait anxiety. In order to study the relations between anxiety and alexithymia in a subclinical population, we administered to 125 female college students a test battery including measures of alexithymia (TAS26), state and trait anxiety (STAI) and depression (QD2A). Results indicated positive correlations between depression, anxiety (state and trait) and alexithymia scares. Partial correlations revealed a tight link between trait anxiety and alexithymia. Furthermore, in agreement with the view that alexithymia is a multidimensional Construct, the various alexithymia dimensions were found to be diversely correlated with anxiety. On the basis of partial correlation analyses, a descriptive model of the relationships between depression, state anxiety, trait anxiety and alexithymia was postulated. This model was confirmed by pathways analyses.

Note: Article Berthoz S, Hop La Pitie Salpetriere, CNRS, UMR 7593, 47 Blvd Hopital, F-75013 Paris, FRANCE

Keyword(s): alexithymia; depression; multidimensionality; scales; state anxiety; trait anxiety; POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS-DISORDER; PANIC DISORDER; PERSONALITY; SCALE; DEPRESSION; SUPPORT; ILLNESS

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