Examining the predictor role of alexithymia degree on grief experience in bereaved individuals

This study aimed to examine the relationship between individuals' levels of alexithymia and their experiences and responses during the grieving process following the loss of a loved one. In this context, the predictive role of alexithymia on grief reactions was investigated. The study included a total of 106 participants aged between 18 and 60. These participants had lost a close relative due to death at least 6 months and at most 1 year prior to the study. Those who agreed to participate were first presented with an Informed Consent Form and a Demographic Information Form. Following this, the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Hogan Grief Reaction Checklist (HGRC) were administered. The collected data were analyzed using simple linear regression and stepwise multiple regression analyses. The HGRC includes six subscales in total that are include five negative grief reactions and one positive grief reaction. The negative grief reactions were grouped under the heading "Misery Scale" and were treated as a single measure in some of the analyses. The analyses revealed that the level of alexithymia significantly and positively predicted negative grief reactions, while it significantly and negatively predicted positive grief reactions which is personal growth. Furthermore, it was found that the "difficulty identifying feelings" dimension of alexithymia was most strongly associated with negative grief reactions, whereas the "externally oriented thinking" dimension was most strongly associated with positive grief reactions. The findings were interpreted in the context of the existing literature, and the strengths, limitations, and implications of the study for future research were discussed. Key Words: Alexithymia, grief, grief reactions, feelings, personal growth