The Mediating Role of Dissociation in the Relationship Between Alexithymia and Symptom Severity in Patients with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Mediating Role of Dissociation in the Relationship Between Alexithymia and Symptom Severity in Patients with PTSD
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63175/tjts.11Keywords:
Alexithymia , Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder , Dissociation, Mediation, TraumaAbstract
Background: This study aimed to reveal the complex relationship between symptom severity, dissociation, and alexithymia in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also focuses on whether dissociative symptoms mediate the link between alexithymia and PTSD symptom severity.
Methods: The study included 85 patients who were referred to a psychiatric clinic and diagnosed with PTSD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 diagnostic criteria. Participants were assessed using the sociodemographic data form, the Event Impact Scale-Revised (IES-R), the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20).
Results: The mean age of 85 PTSD patients included in the study was 31.90 years and 69.4% (n=59) were female. According to the TAS-20 scale of the participants; 62.4% (n=53) were alexithymic and 37.6% (n=32) were non-alexithymic. The two groups had no statistically significant difference in sociodemographic variables (p>0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in DES (p=0.004) and TAS (p<0.001). A positive statistically significant correlation was found between DES and TAS (r=0.341), IES-R Hyperarousal (r=0.492), and IES-R Total (r=0.344) scores. The mediating function of DES in the interaction between TAS-20 and IES-R was assessed. DES is the mediator variable for the effect of TAS-20 on IES-R (β= 0.15,1 z=2.372, p=0.018).
Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of dissociation as a mediating factor between alexithymia and PTSD. Addressing dissociative symptoms in therapeutic interventions may improve treatment outcomes for PTSD patients, particularly those exhibiting alexithymic traits. Future research should explore longitudinal relationships and broader samples to validate these findings.
Keywords: Alexithymia, Dissociation, Mediation, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Trauma.
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We are excited to announce the release of the inaugural issue of the Turkish Journal of Traumatic Stress. As a platform dedicated to advancing research and discussions on trauma-related stress, this first issue brings together insightful articles, reviews, and studies from experts in the field. We invite scholars, practitioners, and researchers to explore the diverse contributions and engage with the emerging knowledge in trauma care and intervention.
