A Study of Factor Structure of the Korean Version of the 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale

Background: The purpose of this study is to examine the factor structure of the Korean version of the 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale. The TAS-20 (source of the TAS-20K) has been supported the three-factor correlated model. However, some factor structure studies of the TAS-20 rejected the three-factor correlated model and adopted alternative models. Methods: In study 1, we conducted a comparison study of the alternative measurement models by using CFA. In study 2, we examined scale reliability and gender measurement invariance of the factor structure. To examine the alternative models and scale reliability, we using the bifactor model reliability indices. Results: As a result, the DIF and DDF factors have a close relationship but the EOT factor has some differences with DIF and DDF. So we adopted a two-factor correlated model with group factor. And the adopted factor structure has partial measurement invariance. Therefore we can compare gender differences of the TAS-20K. Conclusions: This study has significance that examining TAS-20K’s factor structure and examining measurement invariance in gender.