Correlates of Alexithymia

Abstract

Research has identified several correlates of alexithymia including neural activity, laterality and anatomy, and neurodegenerative disorders. Alexithymia has also been associated with difficulties building and maintaining interpersonal relationships, less perceived social support, smaller social networks, and reduced social skills. Additionally, alexithymia is associated with an external locus of control, childhood and adult experiences, eating disorders, and personality disorders. Though alexithymia is associated with depression, anxiety, reactivity to stress, and coping strategies, these associations are complex. In general, alexithymia is correlated with poor psychological and physical health. Many demographic variables such as age, sex, and socioeconomic status (SES) are not strongly correlated with alexithymia.