The Silent Burden: Understanding Alexithymia and Its Correlation With University Student Depression, Anxiety, and...

In a time of increasing mental health difficulties among college students globally, where 20%-45% experience disorders annually, mood disorders emerge as a prevalent concern. These disorders mainly impact individuals aged 18 to 30 and significantly affect academic performance and long-term well-being. This study aimed to assess the psychological well-being of university students, focusing on alexithymia, depression, anxiety, stress, and their complex relationships.

Using a multi-stage sampling approach, the study was conducted in 2019 with 260 undergraduate students at Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) questionnaire measured depression, anxiety, and stress, while the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20) assessed alexithymia. The data were analyzed using SPSS v.23.0.

The participants had a mean age of 20.7 ± 3.2 years, were mostly female (75.7%), single (90.7%), and of Fars ethnicity (66.1%). The majority lived in dormitories (70.3%). Alexithymia was present in 30.8% of the population, with males scoring higher than females (p = 0.04). Also, students aged 18-19 had lower depression (p = 0.04) and anxiety (p = 0.04) scores. We found significant positive correlations between alexithymia and stress, depression, and anxiety (p < 0.001). Moreover, a strong positive correlation was observed between depression and both anxiety (p < 0.001) and stress (p < 0.001). Additionally, anxiety demonstrated a notable correlation with stress (p < 0.001), underscoring the intricate interplay among these psychological factors.

Identifying alexithymia in medical settings is essential, as it can affect patient-provider communication and care. Students with alexithymic traits may benefit from interventions targeting both alexithymia and co-occurring mental disorders like depression and anxiety. Future research should focus on developing tailored treatments and early screening to improve emotional regulation and mental health outcomes, particularly in high-stress academic environments.