Алекситимия и справяне в животозастрашаваща ситуация: насоки за психологическа грижа и консултиране
Alexithymia and coping in a life-threatening situation: psychological care and counseling suggestions

Summary/Abstract: Alexithymia and coping in a real life-threatening situation are examined. Given current world events, such studies are fundamental for the adequate psychological care. The sample (N=230, general population, 18-60 years old, 137 women) completed Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire, Toronto Alexithymia Scale, COPE Inventory (recalling a life-threatening situation actually experienced), Personality Inventory Questionnaire, Empathy Scale, socio-demographic survey. The empirical data reflects the specifics in the relation between alexithymia and coping with life-threatening stressors. There is a positive correlation between alexithymia and perceived as "useful" coping strategy Restraint. A statistically significant difference between people high and low in alexithymia is found only in regards to five of the coping strategies. Alexithymia predicts nine of the strategies with small effect sizes. In combination with other determinants, it’s a predictor only of Seeking of Emotional Social Support and Denial. People with university education have lower levels of alexithymia, but at the same time they are more likely to resort to "less useful" coping strategies. An assumption is made that alexithymia is not equivalent to "ineffective" coping with life-threatening stressors. The circumstances under which alexithymia could have a beneficial effect are discussed. What the effective counseling approaches would be for people with high levels of alexithymia facing a life-threatening situation is also considered.

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