Alexithymia and symbolic function in the obese.
Based on recent literature in which obesity is considered a psychosomatic disease, the authors present results of a study attempting to identify the degree of alexithymia and symbolic function inhibition in two overweight groups (moderately and morbidly obese) and compare the results with a normal-weight control group. The sample was composed of 95 subjects divided into three groups. The results revealed that the two obese groups were generally more alexithymic and had a higher degree of symbolic function inhibition than normal-weight controls. Nevertheless, the two alexithymia measures used in this study disclosed inconsistent results. The data are discussed in terms of etiological, methodological and treatment implications.
Legorreta
G
G
University of Montreal, Canada.
Bull
R H
RH
Kiely
M C
MC
D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology*; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000523:psychology*; D010556:Personality Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D013561:Symbolism