title: The relationship between self-harm and alexithymia.
abstract: This paper presents a systematic review of the literature concerning the relationship between alexithymia and self-harm. Fifteen studies were selected following a systematic search of relevant databases. Results indicate significantly higher levels of alexithymia in women who self-harm compared with women who do not self-harm. Studies of men were less conclusive and require further investigation. A subsample of the studies found that childhood abuse and bullying were more likely to be associated with self-harm if alexithymia was present as a mediator. Other studies found that depression mediated between alexithymia and self-harm. The results indicate that the poor emotional cognition and expression associated with alexithymia may increase vulnerability to self-harm, particularly in women.
authors.affiliation: University of Westminster, London, UK.
authors.forename: Hilary
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Norman
authors.affiliation: University of Westminster, London, UK.
authors.forename: Jo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Borrill
mesh_terms: D054523:Adult Survivors of Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology*; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Alexithymia; non suicidal self-injury (NSSI); self-harm