An observer scale to measure alexithymia

Author(s): Warren, W. L., Riggs, M. L.

Journal/Book: Psychosomatics. 2000; 41: 1400 K St N W, Ste 1101, Washington, DC 20005, USA. Amer Psychiatric Press, Inc. 385-392.

Abstract: The authors developed a relatively brief observer alexithymia measure that can be used by patients' acquaintances and relatives. Items corresponding to the defining features of alexithymia (California Q-Set Alexithymia Prototype) were written, and the new instrument's psychometric properties were evaluated in 3 lay-rater samples. The 33-item Observer Alexithymia Scale (OAS) is internally consistent (coefficient alphas = 0.88 and 0.89) and stable (2-week test-retest reliability = 0.87), Moreover it has all interpretable five-factor structure (based on exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis): distant, uninsightful somatizing, humorless, and rigid. The OAS is a reliable instrument with a stable factor structure and good conceptual coverage and thus, it appears to be a useful tool for collecting observer data on the clinically relevant expressions of alexithymia that receive minimal attention.

Note: Article Haviland MG, Loma Linda Univ, Sch Med, Dept Psychiat, 11374 Mt View Ave, Loma Linda,CA 92354 USA

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