1. Investigating the relationship between Alexithymia and Conflict Management Styles
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Anderson, Craig A., Hayes, Nicole, and RACHEL JOANN SCALIATINE
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Social and Behavioral Sciences - Abstract
This study seeks to understand the relationship between Alexithymia, conflict management styles, and individual differences (e.g., gender.) Alexithymia is a stable personality trait characterized by three difficulties in emotional processing: difficulty identifying one’s emotions, difficulty describing one’s feelings, and active externally oriented thinking (Preece, 2020). According to the Social penetrative theory, relationship development is affected by reciprocal self-disclosure (Masaviru, Mohan., 2016) and self-concept clarity as a predictor for self-disclosure (Tajmirriyahi, & Ickes, 2020). The inability to identify and describe one's feelings would prevent self-concept clarity and self-disclosure (Masaviru, Mohan., 2016). Difficulties in self-concept clarity and self-disclosure may lead to unassertive conflict styles, as assertiveness involves expressing oneself directly. Past research has also suggested gender differences conflict styles; however, it is unclear to what extent gender plays a role in both Alexithymia and conflict styles (Greef & De Bruyne, 2000). Currently, there is little to no research on the relationship between Alexithymia and Conflict styles. This research fills a gap to better understand a key factor in interpersonal relationships and if/how alexithymia influences it. Conflict styles are a large contributing factor to interpersonal relations, and understanding the effect on Alexithymia would give insight into potential counseling routes that would help individuals with Alexithymia manage interpersonal relationships and improve many areas of their lives.
- Published
- 2023
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