Alexithymia as a Mediator between Intimate Partner Violence and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Mothers of Children Disclosing Sexual Abuse

Dubé, Valéry; Tremblay‐Perreault, Amélie; Allard-Cobetto, Pénélope; Hébert, Martine

doi:10.1007/s10896-023-00512-y

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 52 publications

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“…Similarly, alexithymia was identified as a risk factor for the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms in victims (Craparo et al, 2014; Dubé et al, 2023; Signorelli et al, 2020). As Dubé et al (2023) suggested, alexithymia often appears to serve as a coping strategy following a trauma such as victimization by establishing a distance between oneself and the traumatic event. However, difficulties in acknowledging and communicating emotions may prevent victims from recovering from their trauma in the long term.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Intimate Partner Violence and Alexithymia: Do Emotions Matter? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Veggi,

Benfante,

Di Tella

et al. 2023

Trauma, Violence, & Abuse

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Intimate partner violence (IPV) encompasses physical, sexual, or psychological abuse. Recent evidence suggests that victims and perpetrators might share some common psychological characteristics. Particularly, high levels of alexithymia, a difficulty in identifying and expressing emotions, and an externally oriented thinking style were found in both victims and perpetrators when compared to the general population. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the levels of alexithymia in victims and perpetrators of IPV and compare these levels to controls. We systematically searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, using the following strings: (“intimate partner violence” OR “IPV” OR “partner abuse”) AND (“alexithymia” OR “alexithymic”). The inclusion criteria were: adult perpetrators or victims of IPV; with or without a rehabilitation program; having or not a comparison group from the general population; alexithymia as outcome; all types of study design. Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were meta-analyzed with random-effects models. Results showed comparable levels of alexithymia in victims and perpetrators of IPV (mean = 55.92 vs. 55.15, respectively). Furthermore, we found increased alexithymia in victims (Hedges’ g, 0.87 [95% CI 0.43, 1.31]) and perpetrators (Hedges’ g, 0.94 [95% CI 0.77, 1.12]) compared to controls. These results highlight that both perpetrators and victims exhibited high levels of alexithymia. A deeper understanding of this psychological dimension can help professionals to plan better-tailored interventions, in which all relevant factors associated with IPV are considered.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Intimate Partner Violence and Alexithymia: Do Emotions Matter? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Veggi,

Benfante,

Di Tella

et al. 2023

Trauma, Violence, & Abuse

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“…Indeed, these individuals have difficulty recognizing emotions and describing their feelings; they have limited imaginative power, indicating a restriction in their imagination; and they exhibit a verbal, utilitarian, and external cognitive style (20). Studies have shown that suppression of expression is associated with difficulty in identifying and describing feelings, "as a central feature of Alexithymia" (21).…”

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confidence: 99%

Efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Alexithymia, Psychological Capital, and Subjective Vitality in Mothers with COVID-19 and Autistic Children

Razmkhah,

Jafar Tabatabaei,

Nasri

et al. 2024

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The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in reducing Alexithymia, enhancing psychological capital, and increasing subjective vitality in mothers diagnosed with COVID-19 who have autistic children. This was a quasi-experimental study employing a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design with a control group. The sample consisted of mothers diagnosed with COVID-19 having autistic children in the city of Mashhad, who were referred to the Ava Health Center (Total: 70 individuals). Data were collected using random cluster sampling, and finally, 30 individuals were selected and assigned to two groups of 15 participants each in the experimental and control groups. For data collection and evaluation of the desired characteristics and conditions, a demographic form and questionnaires on marital intimacy, forgiveness, and marital boredom were used. Participants in the experimental group underwent therapy in eight 90-minute sessions held twice weekly based on Bowen's (2009) family therapy protocol. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with the SPSS-16 statistical software. The findings indicated that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy was effective in reducing Alexithymia (p = .004), increasing psychological capital (p = .001), and enhancing subjective vitality (p = .001) in the mothers with COVID-19 and autistic children (p > .05). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can be utilized to improve Alexithymia, psychological capital, and subjective vitality in mothers diagnosed with COVID-19 who have autistic children.

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From the Bio-Psycho-Social Model to the Development of a Clinical–Forensic Assessment Tool for Chronic Pain in Victims of Violence: A Research Protocol

Uvelli,

Pugliese,

Masti

et al. 2024

Brain Sciences

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Violence against women impacts a minimum of 35% of the global female population, encompassing sexual, physical, and psychological forms. Perpetrators of this violence include partners, family members, or strangers. Its ramifications are substantial, evident in the prevalence of chronic pain reported by between 48% and 84% of women who have experienced abuse, with an odds ratio of 2.08. Notably associated diagnoses include pelvic/vaginal pain, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome/bowel symptoms, abdominal pain, migraine/headache, and back and neck pain. These diagnoses significantly limit a woman’s ability to participate in daily activities, such as exercising or working, leading to genuine disability. Despite substantial evidence, the precise cause and etiology of these conditions remain unclear. Adhering to the bio-psycho-social model, it is conceivable that chronic pain in victims of violence cannot be attributed to a single factor alone, but rather to a combination of all three: biological, psychological, and social factors. Uncovering these factors could have significant clinical and legal implications. On one hand, it would be possible to conduct screenings to avoid developing chronic pain. and guide individuals toward the correct treatment. On the other hand, victims could seek compensation for chronic pain resulting from violence. Considering the limited knowledge about the causes of chronic pain and the absence of tools to identify risk factors or a set of tests for evaluating victims of violence, the goal of the research described in this project protocol is to pinpoint the specific contributing factors for chronic pain due to violence victimization. Additionally, it aims to devise a comprehensive protocol for assessing these factors in forensic science.

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Alexithymia as a Mediator between Intimate Partner Violence and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Mothers of Children Disclosing Sexual Abuse

Cited by 3 publications

References 52 publications

Intimate Partner Violence and Alexithymia: Do Emotions Matter? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Intimate Partner Violence and Alexithymia: Do Emotions Matter? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Alexithymia, Psychological Capital, and Subjective Vitality in Mothers with COVID-19 and Autistic Children

From the Bio-Psycho-Social Model to the Development of a Clinical–Forensic Assessment Tool for Chronic Pain in Victims of Violence: A Research Protocol

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