Alexithymic Asthmatics: Age and Alexithymia across the Life Span

Abstract

The relationship between age and alexithymia was evaluated within a large (n = 476) group of asthmatic patients ranging in age from 14 to 76 years. Alexithymia was found to occur more frequently in the upper age ranges (middle and late adulthood) than in adolescence and early adulthood. Hypotheses regarding this relationship are addressed.

Two-Factor Solution of the 20-ltem Toronto Alexithymia Scale Confirmed

“…We found no influence o f sex on the TAS-20 ratings, however, we found a negative correla tion between TAS-20 scores and age. This finding must not be overvalued; even though significant, the correlation between both variables is weak, a sample with restricted age range was studied, and more frequent alexithymia in the upper age ranges was found by others [21].…”

Alexithymia impairs the cognitive control of negative material while facilitating the recall of neutral material in both younger and older adults

“…However, we found no interaction between alexithymia and age suggesting that, while alexithymia may increase with age (Feiguine et al, 1982;Gunzelmann et al, 2002;Krystal, 1995;Mattila et al, 2006;Paradiso et al, 2008; permission has been granted for this version to appear in e-Publications@Marquette. Taylor & Francis (Routledge) does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Taylor & Francis (Routledge).…”

“…Taylor & Francis (Routledge) does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Taylor & Francis (Routledge). 4 severity of alexithymia in older age (Feiguine, Hulihan, & Kinsman, 1982;Gunzelmann, Kupfer, & Brähler, 2002;Krystal, 1995;Mattila, Salminen, Nummi, & Joukamaa, 2006;Paradiso, Vaidya, McCormick, Jones, & Robinson, 2008;Pasini, Chiaie, Seripa, & Ciani, 1992). Despite this, researchers have yet to examine how alexithymia may influence the healthy mental functioning and emotional regulation adults exhibit as they grow older (i.e., the "positivity effect").…”

The Effect of Alexithymia on Morbidity in Hypertensives

“…A third possible biasing factor is age: the alexithymies are a significantly older group, a finding previously reported [37]. This may be a result of the measurement vehicle or it may be a function of patients' tendency to focus more on the somatic manifestations of aging in the face of often less than stimulating social and emotional surroundings.…”