Alexithymia as a mediator in the relationship of posttraumatic stress with anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic

There has been an increase in the levels of many psychological problems including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alexithymia can be considered an important psychological problem. However, it may be difficult to differentiate between post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), anxiety symptoms, and alexithymia because they share symptoms like avoidance. To develop psychological interventions, it will be useful to determine the extent to which alexithymia influences PTSS and anxiety. This study examined alexithymia as a mediator in the relationship of PTSS with anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic in Türkiye. The sample consisted of 417 male and female adults aged between 18 to 68. Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficients and structural equation modeling were computed to examine the relationships. Data were gathered through the Demographic Information Form, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Toronto Alexithymia Inventory. Findings showed that PTSS was related to alexithymia and anxiety, and alexithymia was associated with anxiety. Moreover, alexithymia had a partial mediator effect in the relationship between PTSS and anxiety. The findings highlight the importance of mental health professionals considering alexithymia when evaluating and planning treatment for individuals with PTSS and anxiety.