Is alexithymia distinct from health locus of control?
OBJECTIVE
Both locus of control and alexithymia have been considered personality factors fostering health concerns and behaviors. This study investigates the relationship between the health locus of control and alexithymia.


METHODS
Seventy-eight psychiatric outpatients were administered the Wallston Health Locus of Control Scale (HLC), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (HLC), and the Five Factor Inventory, which measures neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Depressive and anxious affect was also measured. Regression models were developed to assess the influence of the above variables upon alexithymia.


RESULTS
Although there was a significant bivariant correlation between an external locus of control and increased alexithymia, regression models found that HLC did not significantly predict TAS. Neuroticism, however, provided the most significant contribution to predict increased alexithymia.


CONCLUSIONS
Neuroticism may link HLC and TAS due to the face validity of each construct. A sense of vulnerability is stated in each measure. This may foster somatic preoccupation. The data suggest HLC and TAS to be separate phenomena and further support the validity of alexithymia as a unique personality trait.
Wise
T N
TN
Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, Virginia.
Mann
L S
LS
D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D012803:Sick Role; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology