Alexithymia among Jordanian university students: Its prevalence and correlates with depression, anxiety, stress, and demographics

Perspect Psychiatr Care. 2018 Apr;54(2):274-280. doi: 10.1111/ppc.12234. Epub 2017 Jul 20.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the article is to identify the prevalence, levels, and associated factors of alexithymia among Jordanian university students.

Design and methods: Using stratified cluster random sampling, data were collected from 492 students using Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21).

Findings: The prevalence of alexithymia, depression, anxiety, and stress were 24.6, 28.5, 38.4, and 22.6%, respectively, and were all higher among females. Alexithymia correlated with five factors: depression, anxiety, stress, female gender, and satisfaction with life.

Practical implications: There is a need for screening and interventional programs that prevent or alleviate the symptoms of alexithymia, depression, anxiety, and stress among university students.

Keywords: Jordan; alexithymia; anxiety; depression; stress; university students.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Affective Symptoms / epidemiology*
  • Anxiety / epidemiology*
  • Depression / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Jordan / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Prevalence
  • Sex Factors
  • Stress, Psychological / epidemiology*
  • Students / statistics & numerical data*
  • Universities / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult