Identification and Characterization of Alexithymia Subgroups by Latent Profile Analysis of TAS-20K

Abstract

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the number of latent groups that can be identified on the basis on the level of difficulties identifying feelings (DIF), difficulties in describing feelings (DDF), and externally oriented thinking (EOT).Methods: DIF, DDF, and EOT are the sub-factors of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Latent profile analysis was performed to identify the subgroups and investigate their properties. A total of 237 Korean university and graduate students were included in the study, and alexithymia subtypes were classified into 5 latent groups.Results: The groups were classified according to the DIF and DDF scores. Furthermore, it was observed that the EOT did not play a role in classifying the groups. The higher the DIF and DDF scores, the higher were the levels of depression and anxiety. The type 2 latent group, which had a unique profile with the highest DIF level and an average DDF level, showed high levels of depression and anxiety.Conclusions: These results suggest that the DIF significantly affects psychological adaptation, thus warranting the consideration of this parameter in counseling and psychotherapy.