Abstract
Alexithymia, a condition described as the seeming inability to understand emotion, has been reported among substance abusers. There has been a growing interest in how alexithymia impacts interpersonal relationships. Early on, alexithymia according to Nemiah and Sifneos (1970) is concomitant with a specific style of interpersonal relating. Thus, the present study investigated the nature of alexithymia and its relationship to positive and negative interpersonal relations among Filipinos suffering from substance abuse. The Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20) and the Assessment of Interpersonal Relations (AIR) were used to measure the research variables among 33 adolescents suffering from substance abuse, ages 10-18, purposely selected from three rehabilitation centers. Results revealed no significant relationship between alexithymia and positive interpersonal relations. However, a meaningful negative relationship existed between alexithymia and negative interpersonal relations. This significant inverse relationship implies that individuals with alexithymia are more likely to relate to recurring sets of negative judgments, feelings, and behavioral intentions toward people they regularly interact with within their everyday lives. This result further reinforces previous research that establishes an inverse relationship between alexithymia and interpersonal relationship.
Author Information
Criselle Angeline Penamante, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines
Marc Eric Reyes, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines
Ryan Francis Cayubit, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines
Jezrelle Paul Revita, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines
Kamylle Ashley Galdones, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines
Mary Lourdes Gaba, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines
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