Abstract
ObjectiveTo evaluate relationships between alexithymia, somatic complaints and depressive symptoms in a non-clinical sample of school-aged Italian adolescents.MethodsA mixed male-female sample of 168 school-aged adolescents with a mean age of 15.8 years was investigated with self-reported rating scales. Scales were: Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Symptom Checklist 90 - Somatization Subscale (SCL-90-SOM), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Rosemberg Self Esteem Scale (RSES). Subjects were evaluated at three times: at the beginning (T0), at the middle (T1) and at the end (T2) of the scholastic year.Results30 subjects (17.9%) were categorized as alexithymics and, overall, showed greater psychological distress than non-alexithymics. Alexithymia levels remained stable during the time as well as the number of alexithymics. Alexithymics were more suitable to develop more severe depressive symptoms. Results of a linear regression supported the notion that depressive symptoms at endpoint were significantly associated with female sex, DIF subscale of TAS-20 and higher SCL-90-SOM scores.ConclusionsAlexithymia, depressive symptoms and somatic complaints appeared to be highly correlated in adolescence.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
