This study examines whether alexithymia relates to specific interpersonal problems, based on data collected in a sample of mental health outpatients (N = 404) and a student sample (N = 157). Linear regression analysis, in which the effects of group, gender, and age were controlled, indicated that two interpersonal problems were significantly and reliably related to alexithymia: cold/distant and nonassertive social functioning. The theoretical relevance of the results for attachment and psychoanalytic theory is indicated, as well as implications of the findings for clinical practice.

This article examines the intersubjective process connected with burnout. On the basis of qualitative research data we investigate to what extent Lacan’s model of intersubjectivity enables us to under-stand the burnout process and to differentiate between people who suffer from burnout and those who do not. We first outline Lacan’s theory of intersubjectivity through a discussion of the dialectical master/slave relationship and the difference between imaginary and symbolic interactions. This model is then tested against the interview material of 30 special educators drawn from the results of a wider random sample survey of 765 respondents in response to a burnout questionnaire. We found that Lacan’s distinction between imaginary and symbolic functioning allows us to make a difference between high and low scorers. High scorers - among whom two subtypes can be distinguished - function mainly in an imaginary way. Among low scorers we similarly found two subgroups - one that interacts symbolically and one that interacts imaginarily, but in which latter case environmental factors are found to have a protective function.

The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) is a frequently used scale for measuring depressive severity. BDI-II data (404 clinical; 695 nonclinical adults) were analyzed by means of confirmatory factor analysis to test whether the factor structure model with a somatic-affective and cognitive component of depression, formulated by Beck and colleagues, has a good fit. We also evaluated 10 alternative models. The fit of Beck's model was not good for all criteria. Three of the alternative models had a better fit in both samples, but none of these met all criteria for good fit. Of the alternatives with a better fit, we selected the only model with unidimensional subscales, which assesses a somatic, affective, and cognitive dimension. For this model, which we recommend, as well as for Beck' original model, a good fitting structure containing 15 and 16 items was developed with an item-deletion algorithm.

Purpose -The purpose of this conceptual paper is to discuss the relevance of Lacanian psychoanalysis for thinking on organizational functioning and organizational change. Design/methodology/approach -First, the authors discuss basic Lacanian ideas with regard to the notion of the unconscious and its discursive status and with respect to the crucial difference between the ego and the subject. Subjectivity is linked to the notion of the lack. The authors then address implications of Lacanian theory for thinking about and intervening in organisations. Findings -It is argued that the non-satisfying nature of work needs to be recognised, that organizational intervention entails an intervention on discourse, and that subjectivity is an issue to be recognized in the context of organizational functioning. Originality/value -In discussing the implications of this point of view, the authors address the possibility of a psychoanalytic ecology of human resources.

The most widely used instrument to measure alexithymia is the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). However, different factor structures have been found in different languages. This study tests six published factor models and metric invariance across clinical and nonclinical samples. It also investigated whether there is a method effect of the negatively keyed items. Second-order models with alexithymia as a higher order factor are tested. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the original factor model with three factors—difficulty identifying feelings (DIF); difficulty describing feelings (DDF) and externally oriented thinking (EOT)—is the best fitting model. Partial measurement invariance across samples was illustrated but requires further study. A weakness of the model is the low internal consistency of the third factor. Because models with a method factor had a better fit, future reconsideration of the negatively formulated items seems necessary. No evidence was found for the second-order models.

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This paper first examines the factorial validity of the Maslach Burnout Inventory for human services professions (MBI‐HSS). The authors test the original 22‐item version and a shortened 20‐item version. Model fit is evaluated with confirmatory factor analysis starting with data collected from a sample of hospital nurses (n = 2515) and a sample of nurses and assistants working in residential welfare institutions (n = 1639). Only the fit of the 20‐item MBI‐HSS was good in both samples. Next the hypothesis of measurement invariance of the 20‐item MBI‐HSS across the samples is examined, but this hypothesis does not hold. Partial invariance at the level of the subscales also could not be confirmed. The authors conclude that for hospital nurses the MBI‐HSS factors mean something other than what they mean for professionals working in welfare institutions, and suggest that future research could focus upon this difference. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.