Empirical evidence of alexithymia

In spite of the wide discussion on alexithymia for the last years, empirical research aimed at its testing or validation has been remarkably scarce. Two basic approaches can be distinguished: psychometric investigations (for instance, using questionnaires) based upon previous operationalization of ‘alexithymic’ behavior and direct observation of behavioral patterns in different types of individuals. This second approach entails the relating of these behavioral features to alexithymia. As an example, our research results from these situations will be presented and discussed. The emphasis will be placed upon psychodynamic models. It is shown that the conditions under which the exploration is carried out are particularly important for the manifestation of ‘alexithymic’ characteristics in speech.