Alexithymia and the Temperament and Character Model of Personality

Abstract

Objective: In our study we explored the associations between alexithymia (Toronto Alexithymia Scale 20, TAS-20) and the dimensions and subscales of Cloninger’s theoretically based and empirically validated psychobiological model of personality to further clarify the relationship between alexithymia and personality traits. Methods: Psychiatric in- and outpatients (n = 254) were investigated with the TAS-20, the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and the Symptom Check List SCL-90-R to control for the severity of current psychopathology. Correlation and regression analyses were performed. Results: The regression analysis identified the TCI dimensions low self-directedness (SD), low reward dependence (RD) and to a minor degree harm avoidance (HA) as independent predictors for alexithymia. At the level of subscales, interpersonal detachment (RD3), low resourcefulness (SD3), low responsibility and blaming (SD1) and shyness with strangers (HA3) were predictors for alexithymia. The degree of explained variance of the TAS-20 scores by the TCI dimensions and subscales ranged between 43 and 45% whereas the inclusion of the general severity index into the regression models accounted for an additional 5% of the variance. Conclusions: Alexithymia is best explained by a mixture across different dimensions and subscales within Cloninger’s psychobiological model of personality. However, alexithymia is captured only partly by current concepts of personality, and additional contributing psychological and biological factors need to be identified to understand alexithymia more extensively.

Alexithymia and temperament and character model of personality in alcohol‐dependent Turkish men

“…To our knowledge the present study is the first to investigate this relationship in a sample of alcoholdependent subjects. The present results supported the findings of Grabe et al, who studied a more heterogeneous sample of psychiatric inpatients and outpatients, 24 and the present results were consistent with the general view that alexithymia is not represented by one single personality dimension or subscale but is best explained by a mixture of different traits within Cloninger's temperament and character model of personality.…”

“…Character dimensions selfdirectedness include acceptance of responsibility for one's own choices, identification of individually valued goals and purposes, development of skills and confidence in solving problems, and selfacceptance. 34 Instead of low reward dependence found in the study by Grabe et al, 24 we found selftranscendence as an independent predictor for alexithymia in the present sample. Character dimension of self-transcendence is described as selfforgetfulness, transpersonal identification, and spiritual acceptance.…”

“…This supports the conclusions of Grabe et al and Picardi et al that both genetic (temperament) and environmental (character) dimensions of personality contribute to the alexithymia construct. 24,26 Alexithymic deficits in emotion regulation are related to the reduced ability to control, regulate, and adapt behavior according to chosen goals and values that characterize individuals with low self-directedness. Alexithymic deficits in emotion regulation are also plausibly related to cautiousness, fearfulness, pessimism, and shyness in individuals who score high in harm avoidance.…”

“…In a study including 254 psychiatric inpatients and outpatients, the TCI dimensions of harm avoidance, low self-directedness, and low reward dependence were found to be independent predictors for alexithymia. 24 These personality traits may contribute to the characterization of highly alexithymic patients as they experience poorly differentiated emotional distress because they lack the necessary psychological capacities for modulating emotions. 25 In a healthy college student sample, Picardi et al measured alexithymia with the TAS-20 and reported that alexithymia was correlated with both temperament and character dimensions of personality, indicating that both genetic and environmental factors might contribute to alexithymia development.…”

Prediction of Self-Injury Behavior in Men with Borderline Personality Disorder Based on Their Symptoms of Borderline Personality and Alexithymia

“…Its absolute and relative stability in log-term follow-up (up to 11 years) has been reported high (44). Alexithymia is associated with different personality disorders (45,46), particularly with cluster B (47,48). In one study, just its affective aspect (41), and in the others, both of its affective and cognitive aspects are associated with personality disorders (47).…”