Repressive coping and alexithymia in idiopathic environmental intolerance

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance (IEI) is a condition characterized by symptoms triggered by environmental exposures.
• Understanding the psychological factors associated with IEI is crucial for developing effective management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between repressive coping, alexithymia, and IEI.
• To explore the role of emotional processing and regulation in individuals with IEI.

Main Methods:

• The study involved 787 individuals with environmental intolerance symptoms and 237 patients with IEI.
• Participants completed questionnaires assessing repressive coping (Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale, Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale), alexithymia (Toronto Alexithymia Scale), and negative affectivity.
• Hierarchical linear regression analyses were used to examine the relationships with IEI variables.

Main Results:

• Repressive coping, as measured by TMAS and MCSDS, showed independent associations with IEI, but the overall construct was not supported.
• While total alexithymia scores were not related to IEI, difficulties identifying feelings (DIF) were independently associated with IEI symptoms.
• Negative affectivity strongly predicted IEI variables and mediated the association between DIF and IEI.

Conclusions:

• The findings do not support a role for repressive coping in IEI.
• The association with alexithymia was partially supported, specifically regarding difficulties identifying feelings.
• Strong links between IEI, negative emotional reactions, defensiveness, and difficulties identifying feelings highlight the need to explore emotional influences in IEI.