Abstract

RODRIGUES, Avelino Luiz et al. Critical reflections on the concept of Alexithymia. Rev. SBPH [online]. 2014, vol.17, n.1, pp. 140-157. ISSN 1516-0858.

The paper discusses the concept of alexithymia, its epistemology and practical applications. Was introduced by Sifneos, referring to people with difficulties to identify and discriminate emotions. It was originally used in the context of so called psychosomatic disorders to characterize the carriers of such diseases; subsequently acquired a canonical setting that posits, not represented psychically conflicts do not reach verbal expression, tend to somatic manifestation. From literature review and five clinical researches, we aimed to reflect on the construct. The method includes semi-structured interviews, structured interviews and projective tests. The results showed patients able to talk about their own feelings and name them, thus not presenting mental configuration characteristic of alexithymia. We conclude that the concept has become elastic and imprecise, fitting the patient in a theory without considering their mental functioning. The alexithymia, the way it has been used, has become, in our view, in the Bed of Procrustes in Psychosomatics.

Keywords : alexithymia; psychosomatic; health psychology; medical psychology; clinical psychology.

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