Alexithymia, life satisfaction, depression and anxiety in black and ethnic minority communities in the UK

Abstract

Alexithymia is the inability to express and recognise emotions and can be expressed in non-clinical populations. Alexithymia is typically experienced alongside depression, anxiety, and burnout. However, research in this area has not explored the extent to which alexithymia is experienced in Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic group. Access to treatment for this community are limited. The aim of the current research is to explore high vs. low scores of alexithymia on anxiety, depression, life satisfaction among British black and ethnic minority communities. A total of 94 participants had filled in questionnaires. Results indicated high levels of alexithymia resulted in increased anxiety, thus a decreased in life satisfaction. However the hypothesis of high alexithymia resulted in high depressive symptoms were not found. Additionally, there were no gender difference in alexithymia level.