Alexithymia and marital conflict
Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
What is Alexithymia? Understanding the reality and consequences of emotional blindness…
Alexithymia is a psychological trait characterized by a difficulty in identifying, understanding, and expressing emotions.
People with alexithymia may experience emotions in a physical sense, such as through bodily sensations, but struggle to label these feelings or connect them to specific emotional states.
Signs of Alexithymia
Difficulty identifying and describing feelings.
Limited imagination and creativity.
Preference for factual, concrete information.
Difficulty recognizing emotional cues in others.
Causes of Alexithymia
Alexithymia is often associated with various psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, eating disorders, depression, and social phobia. It is also prevalent in individuals on the autism spectrum, with over 80% of high-functioning individuals showing some degree of alexithymia.
Impact on Relationships
Alexithymia can significantly affect interpersonal relationships, particularly in intimate partnerships. People with alexithymia may struggle to connect emotionally with their partners, leading to feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction in the relationship.
Alexithymia is a psychological trait characterized by a difficulty in identifying, understanding, and expressing emotions. It is often described as a form of emotional blindness, where individuals struggle to recognize and articulate their feelings. This trait can have a profound impact on interpersonal relationships, particularly in intimate partnerships.
Imagine a couple, Sarah and Mark, who have been married for ten years. Sarah, a warm and expressive person, often feels frustrated by Mark's emotional unavailability. Mark, on the other hand, finds it challenging to connect with Sarah on an emotional level. He struggles to put his feelings into words and often feels overwhelmed when Sarah tries to discuss their relationship.
Signs and Symptoms of Alexithymia
Difficulty identifying and describing feelings: People with alexithymia may have trouble recognizing their emotions and may struggle to express them verbally.
Limited imagination and creativity: Alexithymics often have a concrete, factual thinking style and may find it challenging to engage in imaginative or creative activities.
Preference for factual, concrete information: They may feel more comfortable discussing facts and details rather than emotions and abstract concepts.
Difficulty recognizing emotional cues in others: Alexithymics may have trouble understanding the emotions of others, which can lead to challenges in social interactions.
Causes of Alexithymia
Alexithymia is believed to have both genetic and environmental factors. It is often associated with early childhood experiences, such as a lack of emotional attunement from caregivers. Traumatic experiences, such as abuse or neglect, can also contribute to the development of alexithymia.
Impact on Relationships
In Sarah and Mark's case, Mark's alexithymia creates a barrier to emotional intimacy in their relationship. Sarah often feels lonely and misunderstood, while Mark struggles to connect with Sarah's emotional needs. This lack of emotional connection can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and resentment in the relationship.
Treating Alexithymia in Couples Therapy
In therapy, Sarah and Mark learn to communicate in new ways. Frankly, both of their brains were renovated.
Sarah learns to express her needs and emotions more clearly, while Mark learns to listen, appreciate the importance of, and validate Sarah's feelings. Over time, they develop a deeper understanding of each other and build a stronger emotional connection.
Final thoughts
Alexithymia can be a challenging trait to navigate in a relationship, but with the right support and therapy, couples like Sarah and Mark can learn to overcome these challenges. By understanding and addressing alexithymia, couples can build a more emotionally fulfilling relationship based on mutual understanding and empathy.
REFERENCES:
Berthoz, S., & Hill, E. L. (2005). The validity of using self-reports to assess emotion regulation abilities in adults with autism spectrum disorder. European Psychiatry, 20(3), 291-298.
Nemiah, J. C., Freyberger, H., & Sifneos, P. E. (1976). Alexithymia: A view of the psychosomatic process. Modern Trends in Psychosomatic Medicine, 3, 430-439.
Taylor, G. J., Bagby, R. M., & Parker, J. D. (1997). Disorders of affect regulation: Alexithymia in medical and psychiatric illness. Cambridge University Press.
