Alexithymia and risk preferences: Predicting risk behaviour across decision domains

Abstract

Risk-taking is a critical health factor as it plays a key role in several diseases and is related to a number of health risk factors. The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of alexithymia in predicting risk preferences across decision domains. One hundred and thirteen participants filled out an alexithymia scale (Toronto Alexithymia Scale-TAS-20), impulsivity and venturesomeness measures (I7 scale), and-1 month later-the Cognitive Appraisal of Risky Events (CARE questionnaire). The hierarchical regression analyses showed that alexithymia positively predicted risk preferences in two domains: aggressive/illegal behaviour and irresponsible academic/work behaviour. The results also highlighted a significant association of the alexithymia facet, externally oriented thinking (EOT), with risky sexual activities. EOT also significantly predicted aggressive/illegal behaviour and irresponsible academic/work behaviour. The alexithymia facet, Difficulty Identifying Feelings, significantly predicted irresponsible academic/work behaviour. The results of the present study provide interesting insights into the connection between alexithymia and risk preferences across different decision domains. Implications for future studies and applied interventions are discussed.

COVID-19 Related Distress Is Associated With Alcohol Problems, Social Media and Food Addiction Symptoms: Insights From the Italian Experience During the Lockdown

“…Trait-impulsivity was assessed with the 19 dichotomous (yes/no) items of the impulsiveness subscale of the I 7 impulsiveness-venturesomeness-empathy scale (39). We used the Italian adaptation of the I 7 (40,41), and the Cronbach's α was 0.79.…”

“What Are You Looking For?” Investigating the Association Between Dating App Use and Sexual Risk Behaviors

“…Alexithymia, which is a personal trait characterized by the inability to identify and describe emotions, 31 may account for this result. Indeed, previous studies have indicated an association between alexithymia and sexual risk taking: 32 , 33 people unable to identify their own feelings and behavioral antecedents could be more likely to unintentionally expose themselves to dangerous situations, then also increasing the probability of contracting STIs. Despite this possible explanation, it is worth noting that a consistent part of the sample selected the “I don't know” response.…”

Impact of Alexithymia on Organ Transplant Candidates’ Quality of Life: The Mediating Role of Depressive Symptoms

“…Patients with a propensity for engaging in risky behaviors may be less likely to adhere to provider recommendations about abstinence from certain substances. Panno et al. (2019) reported that alexithymia was predictive of risk preferences such as aggressive behavior and irresponsible academic or occupational behavior.…”

“…(2019) reported that alexithymia was predictive of risk preferences such as aggressive behavior and irresponsible academic or occupational behavior. The EOT aspect of alexithymia was specifically associated with risky sexual behaviors and heavy alcohol use (Panno et al., 2019). The connection between alexithymia and risk preferences provides additional evidence for the importance of early intervention when patients present with alexithymic features.…”

“…Nonetheless, some patients may continue to display alexithymia posttransplant, which may be indicative of a trait-based alexithymia, given the absolute stability of their alexithymic features (Cameron, Ogrodniczuk, & Hadjipavlou, 2014). Alexithymia has been associated with psychological dysfunction, poor outcomes in psychotherapy, dysregulation of stress-related autonomic arousal, reduced pain tolerance, increased risk for suicidality, behavioral problems, and interpersonal difficulties (Cameron et al., 2014; Kim et al., 2016; Lumley et al., 2007; Panno, Sarrionandia, Lauriola, & Giacomantonio, 2019). This can be attributed to the alexithymic individual’s tendency to avoid undesirable emotions (Panayiotou et al., 2015).…”