The Role of Alexithymia and Dysfunctional Reactions in Predicting Marital Intimacy

Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationship between alexithymia and dysfunctional reactions with marital intimacy among married men and women in Mashhad City, Iran.  Methods: The data collection tools in this study included the Persian version of the Toronto alexithymia scale-۲۰, the dysfunctional attitude scale (Weissman and Beck), and the intimacy scale (Walker and Thompson). The statistical population included all married men and women who lived in Mashhad City in the second half of ۲۰۱۹. The sample of this study consisted of ۱۷۱ married individuals (۱۰۰ women and ۷۱ men) who were selected via the convenience sampling method. Results: he results indicated a negative and significant relationship between marital intimacy and alexithymia (P<۰.۰۵, β=-۲۵.۲۵۸) and dysfunctional reactions (P<۰.۰۱, β=-۰.۰۳۱۸). Alexithymia accounted for about ۶% and dysfunctional reactions for about ۱۰% of the dispersion of marital intimacy. Also, a positive and significant correlation existed between alexithymia and dysfunctional reactions (P<۰.۰۱, r=۰.۵۵۳) among married couples. In addition, alexithymia and dysfunctional reactions could be a predictor of marital intimacy. Conclusion: Paying attention to variables, such as alexithymia and dysfunctional reactions can ensure marital intimacy. The results of this study have implications for improving marital intimacy and its positive outcomes in families.

کلیدواژه ها:

Alexithymia ، Dysfunctional reactions ، Marital intimacy ، Married couples