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Alexithymie en Verslaving: is er bij alcoholverslaafde mensen een verband tussen de mate van alexithymie en de mate van craving op cognitief niveau?

Klunder, A.M. (2013) Alexithymie en Verslaving: is er bij alcoholverslaafde mensen een verband tussen de mate van alexithymie en de mate van craving op cognitief niveau?

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Abstract:	Goal: The aim of this study is to increase the scientific and practical knowledge of a number of factors that may play a role in an alcohol addicted population. Those factors are alexithymia, craving and coping. The main research question addresses whether there is a correlation between the degree of alexithymia and the degree of cognitive craving. Also the differences in coping styles in relation to the degree of alexithymia are examined. Method: Data from 111 alcohol addicted persons (92 men and 19 women) are used in this cross-sectional study to examine the degree of coherence between alexithymia, craving and coping. The participants are joining a diagnosis-, part-time or clinical treatment at Tactus Verslavingszorg. The following measuring instruments are used: the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20), the Observer Alexithymia Scale (OAS), the Jellinek Alcohol Craving Questionnaire (JACQ) and the Utrechtse Coping Lijst (UCL). The relationships between alexithymia, craving and coping are examined through a correlation analysis. The differences in the use of coping styles in the three groups (no-, low- and high-alexithymia) were explored by means of an analysis of variance. Results: There was found a significant positive relation between cognitive craving and the degree of alexithymia (measured with the TAS-20), but this was not a strong connection. However, there was no significant relation between craving and alexithymia (measured with the OAS). There was also a significant relation between the coping styles ‘actively dealing with problems’, ‘avoiding’ and ‘passive reaction’ and alexithymia. Differences appeared to exist in the use of these coping styles in the three groups (no-, low- and high-alexithymia). There were no significant relationships between alexithymia and the coping styles ‘palliative reaction’, ‘social support’, ‘expression of emotions’ and ‘reassuring thoughts’. Discussion: This study showed that there are relationships between alexithymia, craving and coping. The findings in this study were partly in line with the literature, and they may be generalized carefully. The results are also practically relevant for organizations and they can contribute to better treatment results. Persons scoring high on alexithymia appeared to experience a high level of cognitive craving, which makes it important to pay attention to craving in treatment. It’s also important that alexithymic alcohol addicts learn that the use of coping styles influences their addiction.
Item Type:	Essay (Master)
Faculty:	BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:	77 psychology
Programme:	Psychology MSc (66604)
Link to this item:	https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/63522
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