Alexithymia as a mediator of the associations between child maltreatment and internalizing and externalizing behaviors in adolescence.

ABSTRACT: Child maltreatment is a global concern that profoundly affects individuals throughout their lives. This study investigated the relationships between various forms of child maltreatment and behavior problems involving internalization and externalization during adolescence. Data obtained from a diverse sample of 1802 Canadians aged 14-18 years was used to examine the mediating role of alexithymia-a difficulty in recognizing and expressing emotions-in these associations. Results indicated that adolescents who experienced sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) in their childhood exhibited higher levels of alexithymia, which was correlated with elevated levels of both internalizing and externalizing problems. Physical abuse and parental neglect were only

SUBMITTER: Hamel C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10944459 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature