Self-perception in early childhood: A comparative study of children with and without alexithymia

Abstract

This study examines differences in self-perception between children with alexithymia and their typically developing peers (TDP). It explores specific aspects of self-perception and compares self-perception profiles while considering gender and education. A total of 122 children from kindergartens and schools participated in the study, including 81 typically developing children and 41 with alexithymia. The study used the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Berkeley Puppet Interview (BPI) as assessment tools. The findings showed that alexithymia had a greater impact on self-perception than demographic factors like gender or education. Children with alexithymia had significantly lower self-perception in areas such as academic competence, motivation, social skills, and peer acceptance compared to their typically developing peers. The study highlights how alexithymia affects children's self-perception and calls for targeted interventions to support their well-being and social integration. It also suggests the need for further research into how educational environments influence children's self-perception.