The experience of alexithymia: A thematic analysis of an MSN online group.

In the light of the controversy and lack of clarity which exists around the alexithymia construct a qualitative study was undertaken to answer the questions: What is the lived experience for those who self identify as being alexithymic? How is alexithymia experienced and described by those closest to people who self-identify as being alexithymic? A thematic analysis of postings to the 'Alexithymia chatsite' was conducted in the tradition of interpretive phenomenology. The analysis yielded six theme clusters, the central cluster being Varying Levels of Emotional Awareness. The other five theme clusters are: Problematic Interpersonal Relationships, Attributed to Childhood, Coping Strategies, Sexual Disinterest and Unique Experiences in the Body. The analysis suggests that lack of awareness of emotion creates difficulties and challenges in the lives of those who identify as alexithymic. The data supports suggestions in the literature proposing different types of alexithymia based on varying levels of emotionalawareness. Being unable to identify and name feeling during an emotional event and the implied delayed processing are interesting findings discussed. Also anhedonia, sexual disinterest and other consequences of alexithymia are discussed in the light of current research.