Investigating the Relationship between Alexithymia and Early Maladaptive Schema among University Students in Tabriz

Abstract

Alexithymia is a problem that shows itself in the emotional and cognitive functioning level and is known as the in ability or failure to explain or understand the emotions This study examined the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and alexithymia in a sample student. This study is descriptive corelational. Sample of 220 undergraduate students of Tabriz University were selected by stratified random sampling and they were administered by questionnaire Toronto alexithymia (TAS-20), and early maladaptive schemas Yang Short Form (YSQ-SF). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and simultaneous regression analysis. The results showed that the components of early maladaptive schemas, disconnection and rejection, impaired autonomy and performance, impaired Limits, directedness, and vigilance/inhibition have a significant positive relationship with alexithymia. Also, the findings of the regression analysis show that impaired autonomy and performance, over  vigilance/inhibition, are predictors of alexithymia . Therefore, it is essential to predict early maladaptive schemas and treat people with alexithymia.