[Problems in the development of emotional expression--dictated by temperament or environment?]

Learning of emotional regulation skills is based on parent-child interaction. The difficulty in recognition and expression of emotions, along with outsourced thinking and weak imagination are collectively termed alexithymia, the inability to express emotions. Temperament has been shown to account for 20 to 40% in the development of alexithymia. Alexithymia has been found to be associated with introversion, negative emotionality and avoidance of problems, and an insecure affectional tie. Attachment theory is based on early interaction, the establishment of which in turn reflects the temperament features of the child and the parent, and differences in these features.