Alexithymia 1 Running head: Influence Of Alexithymia The Influence of Alexithymia on Eating Disorders Action Research Proposal Submitted to The School of Education and Allied Professions of the UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for The Degree Master of Science in Education Community Counseling By Kelly M. Bulinski UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON Dayton, Ohio April, 2008Alexithymia 2 Abstract Previous studies have shown the occurrence of high alexithymia rates among individuals that have an eating disorder. Approximately 150 undergraduate students will be assessed using questionnaires to look at the relationship between levels of disordered eating, signifying a possible eating disorder, and levels of alexithymia. The purpose of this study is to look at the correlation between alexithymia and eating disorders to guide possible future interventions for treatment.Alexithymia 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT ……………………………………………………………………………..2 CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………………………….....4 Purpose of the Study…………………………………………………..................4 Significance of the Study…………………………………………………….…..4 II. LITERATURE REVIEW …………………………………………………………….6 Introduction………………………………………………………………………6 Characteristics of Alexithymia…………………………………………………..6 Connection between Alexithymia and Eating Disorders………………………...7 Counseling Implications…………………………………………………………9 Assessments…………………………………………………………………….11 III. METHODS ………………………………………………………………………...13 Research Question and Hypothesis……………………………………………..13 Research Design………………………………………………………………...13 Sample…………………………………………………………………………..13 Instrument………………………………………………………………………13 Data Collection………………………………………………………………....14 Data Analysis………………………………………………………………..….14 Limitations…………………………………………………………………..….15 Hopeful Time Line…………………………………………………………..…15 IV. RESULTS ………………………………………………………………………....15 V. CONCLUSION …………………………………………………………………….15 REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………............16 APPENDIX A. ………………………………………………………………………...19 Consent Form ………………………………………………………………….19Alexithymia 4 THE INFLUENCE OF ALEXITHYMIA ON EATING DISORDERS CHAPTER I Introduction Purpose of the Study According to the Renfrew Center Foundation of Eating Disorders (2003), eating disorders affect up to 24 million Americans and as many as 70 million individuals around the world. It has been well documented over the years that individuals suffering with an eating disorder share significant core symptoms such as drive for thinness, psychopathology concerning eating habits, concern about body shape, as well as high levels of anxiety, depression and obsessionality (Wagner et al. 2006). Another possible factor may be that of alexithymia. Kiyotaki & Yokoyama (2006) defined alexithymia, “as difficulty with identifying and describing feelings, difficulty with distinguishing between feelings and bodily sensations of emotional arousal, constricted imaginal process, and externally-oriented cognitive style” (p. 610). Alexithymia has become an important psychological factor to address and research in its regards to eating disorders. The purpose of this study is to look at the influence of alexithymia on the development of an eating disorder and the implications of focusing on the alexithymia of individuals with an eating disorder. Significance of the Study Iancu, Cohen, Yehuda & Koteler (2006) state that the prevalence of eating disorders, especially among young girls, has increased in recent decades and it is not clear why certain individuals will develop and eating disorder over others. Research of specific psychological variables, such as alexithymia, is of great importance. Having the understanding of predictors ofAlexithymia 5 outcome could aid in matching treatments to individuals based on their clinical profile (Speranza, Loas, Willier & Corcos, 2007). Identifying alexithymia as a possible psychological feature influencing the susceptibility for an eating disorder may open the possibility for developing better diagnostic and treatment approaches.Alexithymia 6 CHAPTER II Literature Review Introduction An eating disorder (ED) can be a debilitating and life threatening illness that is hard to cure. According to Beales & Dolton (2000), anorexia nervosa, is the third most chronic illness in teenage girls with a mortality rate of 12 to 15 times that of the general population and less than 50% of hospitalized bulimic patients fully recover. Binge-eating is another common ED and is estimated to affect approximately 2% of all adults in the United States (Carano et al., 2006). A common theme being addressed in the literature focused on ED’s is the underlying personality characteristic of alexithymia. Characteristics of Alexithymia Alexithymia as described by Ogrodniczuck, Piper, & Joyce (2005), is a deficit in cognitive processing and regulations of emotions. Alexithymia is not an illness that an individual has or that can be cured. It represents a way of thinking, feeling, and relating. This manner of thinking, or difficulty in communicating feelings, can be expressed at differing levels along a continuum and measured. When alexithymia measures above an empirically determined cut off point, there is a higher probability of ill-health