The Mediator Role of Anxiety and Emotion Regulation Between the Alexithymia and Interpersonal Problems

Abstract

Alexithymia, by definition, is having difficulty in identifying and expressing emotions.
It is of particular importance to determine alexithymia and alexithymia-related variables
that are both seen in the healthy population and accompany various psychological/
psychiatric disorders. Although there are studies on the relationships between alexithymia
and related anxiety, emotion regulation and interpersonal problems, there are a limited
number of studies examining these variables together. Examining alexithymia and the
variables that may be related to it will contribute to the individual’s lives and the field of
clinical psychology when evaluated in terms of identifying individuals experiencing this
problem, creating treatment protocols and strengthening their relationships. Therefore,
it is aimed to examine the mediating effect of anxiety and emotion regulation on the
relationship between alexithymia and interpersonal problems. The study sample consists
of 428 people aged 18-25. The study used the sociodemographic Information Form,
Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Difficulty in Emotion Regulation
Scale-Short Form, and Interpersonal Problems Inventory. Findings indicate that there
is a positive relationship between alexithymia and interpersonal problems. Individuals
with high alexithymia scores also have high interpersonal issues. In addition, it shows
that anxiety and emotion regulation have a mediating effect on the relationship between
alexithymia and interpersonal problems. It suggests that the study’s findings may be useful for identifying individuals with alexithymia and creating intervention programs.