Cultural Values and Alexithymia

Alexithymia refers to difficulty with reflecting on andarticulating emotional states. Previous research has found that Asian groups may tendtoward greater alexithymia and that cultural values may mediate this difference,although the content of Asian values that form these pathways is unclear. This studyexamined the relationship between Confucian values, ethnicity, and alexithymia. A sampleof 216 undergraduate students completed the Chinese Value Survey and the TorontoAlexithymia Scale. Asian Canadians scored more highly on alexithymia than non-AsianCanadians. Individuals who valued trustworthiness, patience, and kindness were found tobe less alexithymic. The ability to be a source of kindness and security to others maybe tied to the development of reflective awareness. Individuals who valued purity fromdesire and respect for social order were found to be more alexithymic. Such individualsmay tend not to reflect on impure or socially disruptive thoughts and feelings. Valuesassociated with purity and order mediated the difference between Asians and non-Asianson alexithymia. Asian Canadians may therefore score more highly on alexithymia becausethey prefer not to reflect on emotions associated with impurity or socialdisorder