The role of alexithymic traits in shaping mental health in the context of parental bonding and COVID-19 pandemic: FinnBrain birth cohort study




Li Ru

PublisherUniversity of Turku

Turku

2023

978-951-29-9554-7

978-951-29-9555-4

https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-951-29-9555-4



Alexithymia, a personality trait characterized by difficulties in identifying (DIF) and describing feelings (DDF), a pragmatic and externally oriented thinking style (EOT), and a scarcity of fantasy and imagination, was initially observed in psychosomatic patients and has long been associated with impaired mental wellbeing. However, there is controversy about whether or not alexithymia serves as a predictor for mental illnesses. Thus far, knowledge surrounding alexithymia, especially its nature, etiology, and actual role in the development of mental health problems, remains limited.

This study consisted of a general population of parents from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study. With both cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches, using multiple analytical methods, this study aimed to explore the intricate relationship between alexithymia and mental health problems related to two specific contexts: perceived parental bonding during childhood, and the recent experience of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The results indicated that alexithymia mediated the link between perceived dysfunctional parental bonding and psychological distress, with a stronger effect among male subjects. In the context of the pandemic, while the role of alexithymia per se in the mental health changes was relatively weak, it functioned as a pronounced contributor when interacting with additional factors, such as perceived stress and existing alcohol use problems. The study also provided evidence regarding the differential role of specific dimensions of alexithymic traits, with DIF and DDF tending to predispose individuals to psychological distress, and EOT being more closely related to alcohol use.

The finding suggests alexithymia as a potential mechanism explaining current mental health problems related to early perceived parenting factors. Furthermore, in the context of the pandemic, this study based on longitudinal data with employing different modeling techniques provides more comprehensive insights from several perspectives into the nature of alexithymia and its role in shaping mental health, which highlights the significance of identifying alexithymia and justifies it as a potential target for intervention strategies.



Last updated on 2024-03-12 at 12:57