Alexithymia, suicidal ideation and health-risk behaviours: a survey of Canadian men. (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kealy, David; Ogrodniczuk, John S.; Rice, Simon M.; Oliffe, John L.
• Is Part Of: International journal of psychiatry in clinical practice. Volume 22:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 77
• Page End: 79
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: Alexithymia -- men -- substance misuse -- health-risk behaviour -- suicidal ideation; Mental illness -- Periodicals; Older people -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2017.1324992
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1365-1501

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Restricted emotional abilities may present significant implications for men's health. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between alexithymia and several health-risk behaviours: substance misuse, aggressive and risky behaviours and suicidal ideation. Methods: A nationally representative sample of 1000 Canadian men responded to a survey containing measures of alexithymia, maladaptive coping behaviours, suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms. A series of hierarchical regressions were conducted using alexithymia as the predictor variable and each health-risk behaviour as the criterion variable, controlling for depressive symptom severity. Results: Alexithymia was found to be significantly associated with drug use, alcohol use, angry/aggressive behaviour and risk-taking behaviour – as well as suicidal ideation – beyond the effects of depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The findings provide evidence for the link between alexithymia and several problematic behaviours that pose risks to men's health.