The article reviewed the modern empirical studies of alexithymia, summarized the theoretical understanding of the phenomenon of alexithymia, describes the difficulties faced by the people with a high level of alexithymia and suggested tips on psychological work with the alexithymic people. The novelty of this research consists in the formulation of the aspects of the practical work of a psychologist in order to increase the level of the adaptation of the alexithymics and improve the quality of their life. At the moment, this problem is covered in only a small amount of research. The main result of the article is the identification of the areas of psychological work with the alexithymics: (1) the improvement of the connection with the body; (2) the correction of personality problems; (3) the psychological assistance in the harmonization of the interpersonal relations. It has been shown that disrupted connection with the body is one of the most significant problems of the alexithymics and the factor which contributes to the development of psychosomatic diseases. For the improvement of the connection with the body the authors suggest such types of psychological work as the differentiation of physical feelings, a fuller understanding of the body map, the ability to control the condition of the body, the acceptance of the body and the increase in the satisfaction with it. The ways of working with the most significant personality problems of the alexithymics are singled out (correction of non-adaptive coping-strategies, low level of life satisfaction, rigidity, and instability of the emotional sphere). The areas of work on improving the relations of the alexithymics with the surrounding people are highlighted (gaining more knowledge about the emotional sphere, working with friends and relatives, teaching communication skills, taking into account the influence of alexithymia). Finally, the conclusion is made about the importance of the integrated psychological work with the people with a high level of alexithymia in order to develop the specific tools for comprehensive assistance to alexithymics.
Apart from the efficacy of an integrated psychosomatic approach there emerge problems with the psychosomaticist’s feeling of professional identity which are delineated and discussed in the light of the authors’ experience. For many years they took part in institutionalizing an approach combining internal and psychological medicine on the basis of a psychoanalytic orientation in a ward setting and an outpatient clinic for hypertensives which were both attached to a university hospital. The core conflict of professional identity in an approach like this is concerned with educational incompatibilities in the different fields, frictions of daily routines, and institutional tensions arising from controversial theoretical backgrounds and faculty policies. Different cognitive and action styles, varying attitudes concerning matters of timing and different necessities of empathy versus distance must be integrated like other polarities. Discussions about the favors of an integrated psychosomatic approach tend to underestimate the outlined problems of professional identity.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.