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[Somatization and alexithymia in male infertility. A replication study]
R Conrad1, G Schilling, T Hagemann
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie der Universität Bonn.
Summary
Infertile men exhibit higher levels of alexithymia and somatization. This study confirmed previous findings, suggesting these psychological traits may be consequences of coping with infertility.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Reproductive Medicine
- Psychology
Background:
- Previous research indicated elevated alexithymia and somatization in men experiencing infertility.
- This study aimed to validate these earlier findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the association between male infertility and alexithymia and somatization.
- To investigate psychological correlates of infertility in men.
Main Methods:
- 88 infertile men (idiopathic and somatic infertility) and 44 healthy controls participated.
- Alexithymia was assessed using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20).
- Somatization was measured with the Symptom Checklist-90-R.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed between subgroups of infertile men.
- Infertile men scored significantly higher on the TAS-20 (p<0.01) compared to controls.
- Infertile men also exhibited higher somatization scores on the Symptom Checklist-90-R (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- The study successfully replicated previous findings on alexithymia and somatization in infertile men.
- Alexithymia and somatization are discussed as potential psychological responses to the challenges of infertility.