Alexithymia as a mediator between adverse childhood events and the development of psychopathology: a meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Victims of child abuse have an elevated risk of developing mental health issues later in life. Several variables have been suggested as mediators of this correlation, but little is known about the possible influence of alexithymia. Alexithymia is a sub-clinical personality trait that manifests as difficulties recognizing and verbalizing emotions.

Methods

In this study, two separate meta-analyses were conducted using questionnaire data, and Pearson correlations for overall effects were estimated.

Results

The correlation between child abuse and alexithymia showed to be significant (r = .26), as did the correlation between alexithymia and general psychopathology (r = .44). Further analyses revealed no indication for possible publication bias. W

SUBMITTER: Kick L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11246998 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature