Related Experiment Videos
Relational health, alexithymia, and psychological distress in college women: testing a mediator model
1Counseling and Developmental Psychology, Boston College, Campion Hall 314, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA. liangbe@bc.edu
Abstract:
Relational health refers to interpersonal interactions that are growth-fostering or mutually empathic and empowering. Poor relational health increases an individual's risk for developing psychological distress. Alexithymia is the inability to recognize and express one's own internal emotional experience. In this study, the associations of relational health, psychological distress, and alexithymia were examined by surveying 197 female undergraduate psychology students. Support was found for the hypothesis that alexithymic symptoms mediate the direct effect of poor relational health on psychological distress. The importance of assessing relational health and tailoring counseling interventions for people with low relational health and alexithymic symptoms is discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Social Relationships and Well-Being
Self-Discrepancy and Its Effects
Relationship Formation
Relationship Growth
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture