The relationship between self‐harm and alexithymia

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic review of the literature concerning the relationship between alexithymia and self-harm. Fifteen studies were selected following a systematic search of relevant databases. Results indicate significantly higher levels of alexithymia in women who self-harm compared with women who do not self-harm. Studies of men were less conclusive and require further investigation. A subsample of the studies found that childhood abuse and bullying were more likely to be associated with self-harm if alexithymia was present as a mediator. Other studies found that depression mediated between alexithymia and self-harm. The results indicate that the poor emotional cognition and expression associated with alexithymia may increase vulnerability to self-harm, particularly in women.

Investigation of the relationship between cyberbullying, cybervictimization, alexithymia and anger expression styles among adolescents

“…This finding shows that there are different factors explaining the cybervictimization beside the variables we investigated. Norman and Borrill (2015) found that girls show more alexithymic behavior and the risk of self-destruction than boys. According to another study, people facing cybervictimization show higher depression, somatic symptoms and anger (Nixon, 2014).…”

“…Alexithymia is one of the personality features known to effect anger (Erden, 2005;Sayar, Güleç, & Topbaş , 2004). People who have alexithymic behavior are more prone to using self-destructive behaviors (Norman & Borrill, 2015). Especially individuals who have difficulty in expressing their feelings experience frustration and as a result they present anger symptoms.…”

Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on alexithymia: a systematic review

“…Prevalence rates range from 7% to 13% in community samples, but can be several times higher in clinical samples 3. Alexithymia has been found to be associated with psychological disorders, such as anxiety,4 depression5 6 and general psychopathological distress,7 and with maladaptive behaviours including alcohol dependence,8 eating disorders9 and self-harm 10. The presence of alexithymia can present a barrier to psychotherapeutic treatment,11 because the inability of the patient to communicate emotions may induce a negative reaction in the therapist 12…”

Prevalence and Demographic Correlates of Alexithymia: A Comparison Between Australian Psychiatric and Community Samples

“…It is characterized by impairments in the recognition, differentiation, and communication of emotions, as well as an externally oriented thinking style and impoverished fantasy life (Taylor, Bagby, & Parker, 1997). Alexithymia has been implicated in a number of psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety (Son et al, 2012), and alcohol addiction (Grabe et al, 2008), and associated with self-harm (Norman & Borrill, 2015) and higher mortality rates (Tolmunen, Lehto, Heliste, Kurl, & Kauhanen, 2010).…”