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Alexithymia in nurses: a context-specific concept analysis using rodgers's evolutionary methodology
Wu Feng1,2, Lv Yiting1, Sun Yanwen1
1School of Nursing, Yanbian University, Yanji City, Jilin Province, China.
BMC Psychology
|June 25, 2026
Summary
This study clarifies alexithymia (difficulty identifying/describing emotions) in nurses, identifying its causes, core traits, and consequences like burnout and communication issues. Findings inform support strategies for nurses' mental health and patient care.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Nursing Science
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Alexithymia, characterized by emotional processing difficulties, impacts well-being and interpersonal functioning.
- In nursing, alexithymia may cause distress and affect patient interactions, but its specific role needs clarification.
- This study examines alexithymia within the nursing context using concept analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the context-specific manifestations of alexithymia in nursing practice.
- To enhance psychological understanding of alexithymia in nurses.
- To inform the development of targeted support strategies for nurses.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across multiple databases (CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library) up to January 2026.
- Application of Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis framework.
- Analysis of 52 relevant articles focusing on concept evolution, attributes, antecedents, and consequences.
Main Results:
- Identified six antecedents: demographics, occupational environment, emotional intelligence, social support, resilience, and self-esteem.
- Core attributes include difficulty identifying/describing emotions, externally-oriented thinking, and somatic symptoms.
- Consequences span individual (burnout, reduced well-being), interpersonal (impaired nurse-patient communication), and organizational levels (turnover intention).
Conclusions:
- Provides a comprehensive conceptualization of alexithymia in nurses, highlighting its professional relevance.
- Offers a foundation for context-sensitive assessment and targeted interventions to support nurses' emotional health.
- Emphasizes addressing occupational factors and strengthening nurses' resilience and emotional awareness for improved patient care.
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