A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Alexithymic Traits and Hair Cortisol Concentrations in Pregnant Women
Authors: Jani Kajanoja, Max Karukivi, Paula Mustonen, Noora M. Scheinin, Susanna Kortesluoma, Ana João Rodrigues, Hasse Karlsson, Linnea Karlsson
Publisher: FRONTIERS MEDIA SA
Publication year: 2020
Journal: Frontiers in Psychiatry
Journal name in source: FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
Journal acronym: FRONT PSYCHIATRY
Article number: ARTN 421
Volume: 11
Number of pages: 7
ISSN: 1664-0640
eISSN: 1664-0640
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00421
Web address : https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00421/full
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/48517195
IntroductionAlexithymia, a personality construct characterized by difficulties in identifying and expressing emotions, and an externally oriented thinking style, has been associated with a number of stress-related disorders, and physiological markers of stress. We examined the relationships of alexithymia and hair cortisol concentrations (HCC), a measure of long-term cortisol levels, in pregnant women.
MethodsParticipants were 130 women from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort study. Alexithymia was measured with the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Analysis of covariance and regression analyses were used to assess the associations between alexithymia and HCC. Educational level, current depressive symptoms, and body mass index (BMI) were applied as covariates.
ResultsIn the adjusted analyses, individuals with moderate to high alexithymic traits had significantly higher HCC (F = 5.11, partial eta(2) = 0.040 , p = 0.026) compared to non-alexithymics. Regression analyses in the whole sample revealed that, of the individual dimensions of alexithymia, Difficulty Identifying Feelings (DIF) was associated with HCC (beta = 0.187, t = 2.064, p = 0.041).
ConclusionsAlexithymia, and especially its dimension DIF, were associated with higher HCC and, therefore, may be linked to increased chronic physiological stress. Implications for pregnancy outcomes and infant development are discussed.
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |  |
