Alexithymia and Sensory Processing Sensitivity: Areas of Overlap and Links to Sensory Processing Styles.

ABSTRACT: Alexithymia is a dimensional trait characterized by difficulties identifying and describing feelings and an externally oriented thinking (EOT) style. Here, we explored interrelationships between alexithymia and measures assessing how individuals process and regulate their responses to environmental and body-based cues. Young adults (N = 201) completed self-report questionnaires assessing alexithymia, sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), interoceptive accuracy (IA), sensory processing styles, and current levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Whereas EOT was related to low orienting sensitivity, problems with emotional appraisal (difficulties identifying feelings/difficulties describing feelings) were related to heightened sensory sensitivity. In addition, features of SPS improv

SUBMITTER: Jakobson LS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8182761 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature