Alexithymia, type A behaviour and bulimia nervosa

Abstract

This paper studies the prevalence of alexithymia and type A behaviour among women with bulimia nervosa and the psychometric relations between these two psychological constructs. A group of 35 patients selected according to DSM-III-R diagnostic criteria was evaluated using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) and the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS) and compared with a matched control group of healthy women. Bulimic patients scored signi®cantly higher than controls in alexithymia and in I and II TAS factors, and in speed/impatience and hard-driving style. Type A prevalence was similar in both groups and overall results suggest that alexithymia and type A behaviour are heterogeneous psychological constructs.

Dimensions of emotion dysregulation in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa: A conceptual review of the empirical literature

“…In contrast, there has been somewhat less research on emotion recognition in BN. A majority of the relevant research in BN suggests greater alexithymia compared to controls (e.g., Corcos et al, 2000; Jimerson, Wolfe, Franko, Covino, & Sifneos, 1994; Nowakowski et al, 2013; Sureda, Valdes, Jodar, & de Pablo, 1999), although results are less consistent when controlling for depression and/or anxiety (e.g., Eizaguirre et al, 2004; Gilboa-Schechtman et al, 2006; Montebarocci et al, 2006; Rozenstein et al, 2011; Speranza et al, 2005). In contrast, findings on emotional awareness have been more consistent, suggesting deficits in BN versus controls (Brockmeyer et al, 2014; Bydlowski et al, 2005 [mixed ED sample]; Harrison et al, 2010; Legenbauer, Vocks, & Ruddel, 2008; Sim & Zeman, 2004; Svaldi et al, 2012).…”

Alexithymia and Marital Quality: The Mediating Role of Relationship Maintenance Behaviors

“…Although alexithymia is not classified as a psychological disorder, individuals with alexithymia have reported high levels of depression, anxiety, and low levels of self-esteem (Hesse & Floyd, 2008;Hintikka, Honkalampi, Western Journal of Communication 47 Lehtonen, & Viinamaki, 2001;Karukivi et al, 2010;Yelsma, 1995). Additionally, alexithymic individuals are at elevated risk for chronic pain (Glaros & Lumley, 2005), psoriasis (Richards, Fortune, Griffiths, & Main, 2005), alcohol abuse (Thorberg, Young, Sullivan, & Lyvers, 2009), and eating disorders (Sureda, Valdés, Jó dar, & de Pablo, 1999). While the intrapersonal effects of alexithymia are well documented, researchers have recently begun to examine the interpersonal effects of this condition.…”

Alexithymia and Uncertainty Management

“…As a result of these deficiencies, individuals with higher levels of alexithymia tend to appear stoic, distant, indifferent to emotionally laden topics, and preoccupied with unimportant external events (Vanheule, Desmet, Rosseel, Verhaeghe, & Meganck, 2006). Though alexithymia is not yet classified as a psychological disorder, individuals with higher degrees of alexithymia have reported high levels of depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol abuse, eating disorders, and global psychopathology, along with low levels of self-esteem (Hesse & Floyd, 2008;Hintikka, Honkalampi, Lehtonen, & Viinamaki, 2001;Karukivi et al, 2010;Nicolò et al, 2011;Sureda, Valdés, Jó dar, & de Pablo, 1999;Thorberg, Young, Sullivan, & Lyvers, 2009).…”