Prediction of alexithymic characteristics from physiological, personality, and subjective measures

Noting concerns for a comprehensive conceptualization of alexithymic characteristics, the present study examines the potential utility of considering these characteristics as manifestations of deficits in cognitive schemata. Research guided by this conceptualization has identified physiological, subjective, and personality features of alexithymic characteristics. It is reasoned that if this conceptualization has merit, it should be possible to predict the presence of alexithymic characteristics from these features. Results of the present study indicate that a combination of physiological, subjective, and personality variables significantly predicts the presence of alexithymic characteristics as measured by the Schalling-Sifneos Personality Scale. These results are discussed in terms of their implications for a more comprehensive description of alexithymia and the value of the cognitive schema conceptualization.