A Study on Alexithymia, Attachment Styles & Emotional Regulations in Adults

The attachment theory helps us understand that for a stable and conscious individual to develop, it takes secure attachment. Only when an individual can explore and learn in a healthy and loving environment it is then, that it will grow into a personality that can handle emotions well. Emotional Regulation is the ability to exert control over one’s emotional state and on the other hand deficiency in identifying and describing feelings is termed as Alexithymia. The current research aims to study the relationship between emotional regulation and alexithymia among adults based on their Attachment style. A sample of 60 individuals were collected for the same. Standardised scales were used. The results found that significant positive correlation between alexithymia and emotional regulation (expressive suppression facet). Also there exists a significant negative correlation among subscales of attachment (closeness) and alexithymia. The study suggests that expression of emotions and venting out of the feelings is useful in maintaining a warm cosy relation amongst individuals. Also, being aware of one’s mental framework consequently decreases the level of anxiety.