Investigation the relationship between insecure attachment styles and alexithymia in adult individuals

This research aims to reveal the relationship between attachment styles and alexithymia levels in adult individuals. To achieve this purpose, the study was conducted using a relational screening model within a quantitative research design, and a survey method was employed for data collection. The sample group of the research consists of 408 individuals aged 18 to 40 living in Turkey. The "Sociodemographic Information Form", "Experiences in Close Relationships Scale - Short Form", and "Toronto Alexithymia Scale" were used for data collection. The SPSS-22 statistical program was used for data analysis. Pearson correlation analysis was utilized to determine the direction and strength of the relationship between the variables of the study. Additionally, multiple and hierarchical regression analysis methods were employed to determine the levels of prediction between the variables. In the findings of intergroup comparisons, the t-test and one-way variance (ANOVA) analysis were utilized. When examining the research findings, it was determined that there is a significant positive relationship between avoidance and anxiety levels and alexithymia, which includes the difficulty of recognizing emotions and the difficulty of expressing emotions. Additionally, significant differences were found in the comparative analysis between groups based on education level, marital status, employment status, psychiatric diagnosis status, and being in a romantic relationship. As a result, the study concluded that as avoidance and anxiety levels increase, the levels of alexithymia, difficulty in recognizing emotions, and difficulty in expressing emotions also increase.