Relationships between Alexithymia, Emotional and Quality of Life in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 1998

Authors

Verissimo R (Author) FMUP; Mota-Cardoso R (Author) FMUP; Taylor G (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics

Vol. 67 No. 2

Pages: 75-80

ISSN: 0033-3190

Publisher: Karger

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Social sciences > Psychological sciences ; Health sciences > Medical sciences > Medicine > Psychosomatics

Other information

Abstract (EN): Background: Although the constructs of alexithymia and emotional control have been associated with physical health, the relationship between these constructs is unclear and their influence on health-related quality of life has not been investigated previously. This study examined the relationships between alexithymia, emotional control, and quality of life in 74 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: The subjects completed the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Emotional Expression and Control Scale (EEC), and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) for assessing quality of life. Results: The TAS-20 correlated negatively and significantly with the IBDQ global score and with subscales assessing bowel symptoms, systemic symptoms, and emotional functioning; the emotional control subscale of the EEC correlated positively and significantly with these measures. Although the TAS-20 correlated significantly and negatively with the emotional control subscale, alexithymia and quality of life scores were unrelated to subscales of the EEC assessing tendencies to either hold emotions in or express emotions outwardly. A hierarchical stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that alexithymia, and to a lesser extent emotional control, play a role in predicting quality of life in patients with IBD. Conclusions: Alexithymia and emotional control are negatively related constructs and each construct has an independent influence on the subjective health status of patients with IBD.

Language: Portuguese

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific