Psychometric Properties of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale in Italian Adolescents

Background: Alexithymia, a personality construct inhibiting emotional awareness, remains a challenging area of study, particularly among adolescents. Utilizing the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20), this research investigates its factorial structure and psychometric properties in community adolescents. Method: Through two separate studies, the factor structure of the TAS-20 is evaluated in samples of adolescents and the new factor structure is explored in relation to the emotional-behavioral functioning of adolescents. Specifically, in Study 1, a total of 416 adolescents aged between 14 and 18 years (Mage = 16.4; SD = 1.36) were included, of whom 42.5% were males. In Study 2, a total of 114 adolescents aged between 14 and 18 years (Mage = 15.65; SD = 1.2) were included, of whom 30.7% were males. Results: Study 1, employing exploratory factor analysis, revealed a 12-item three-factor solution (49.11% of variance), termed Lack of Emotional Awareness (LEA, including items related do difficulties to in identifying or describing feelings), Lack of Attitude towards Introspection (LAI), and Tendency towards Concreteness (TC). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed this structure. Study 2 replicated the TAS-12 structure in a separate sample, affirming its robustness. Gender differences were examined, indicating that girls had higher scores in LEA and LAI, aligning with previous research. Lastly, associations with emotional-behavioral functioning demonstrated LEA's links to internalizing and externalizing problems, while LAI was associated with anxiety/depression, and TC did not show significant associations. Conclusions: These findings suggest the TAS-12 is a suitable tool for assessing alexithymia in adolescents, albeit with caution due to limitations in generalizability. Further research in clinical populations and cross-cultural contexts is recommended. Importantly, the TAS-12 may support early identification of emotional processing difficulties in adolescents, which are often linked to internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Clinically, this tool could assist practitioners in tailoring interventions aimed at improving emotional awareness and regulation, potentially mitigating associated psychological distress. Further research in clinical populations and cross-cultural contexts is recommended.