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Depersonalization, Emotion Embodiment, and Alexithymia in the General Population.
Psychopathology
|June 18, 2026
Summary
Individuals with depersonalization experiences show altered emotional embodiment and increased alexithymia. Higher depersonalization correlates with less localized bodily sensations for high-arousal emotions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Depersonalization-derealization disorder (DPD) is linked to emotional blunting and alexithymia.
- Limited research explores emotional embodiment in individuals with depersonalization.
- This study examines emotional embodiment and alexithymia in varying depersonalization levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the relationship between depersonalization and emotional embodiment.
- Explore the connection between depersonalization and alexithymia.
- Understand how depersonalization affects the bodily experience of emotions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the emBODY task, a computerized topographical mapping method.
- Participants mapped bodily sensations associated with specific emotion states.
- Compared individuals with high and low levels of depersonalization.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was found between depersonalization and alexithymia.
- Individuals with higher depersonalization exhibited diffused bodily sensation maps.
- Qualitative differences in embodiment were observed for high-arousal emotions.
Conclusions:
- Increased depersonalization is associated with alexithymia and altered emotional embodiment.
- Individuals with depersonalization may experience nuanced emotional embodiment, not just numbing.
- Findings suggest heightened attunement to certain high-arousal emotional states in depersonalization.
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