ALEXITHYMIA AND DYADIC ADJUSTMENT IN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS: ANALYSES USING THE ACTOR PARTNER INTERDEPENDENCE MODEL

作者：Eid Patricia; Boucher Sophie^*

来源：Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 2012, 31(10): 1095-1111.

Difficulty identifying and expressing emotions (alexithymia) can have consequences on the physical health and the psychological well-being of an individual. The few studies exploring the impact of alexithymia on intimate relationships use statistical methods that are not specific for dyadic data analyses. This study aims to investigate the link between alexithymia and dyadic adjustment in individuals and their partner and to compare traditional statistical strategies to the Actor Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). Eighty-four couples completed questionnaires including a measure of alexithymia (Toronto Alexithymia Scale; TAS) and a measure of dyadic adjustment (Dyadic Adjustment Scale; DAS). Analyses show that results are slightly different for the two statistical methods. Following the APIM, alexithymia is negatively related to dyadic adjustment for both men and women. In addition, men's alexithymia is negatively related to the dyadic adjustment of their partner. However, alexithymia in women does not seem to be related to their partners' dyadic adjustment. The results are discussed in light of social norms, gender differences, and the specific need in women for disclosure and intimacy.

• 出版日期2012-12