Comparison of Level of Alexithymia in Individual with Different Sexual Orientation
Alexithymia has been affecting the lives of people in many ways, though the affect is seen not immediately. Sometimes, it happens so subtly that other reasons with loud appearance are the only ones to be addressed, leaving behind the unfinished business keeping the question still unanswered or vice versa. Sexual Orientation, on the other hand, had been constantly gaining attention from various disciplines including psychology, medicine and law. Researchers have significantly associated sexual orientation with mental health. The present research aimed to study the relationship between alexithymia and sexual orientation. In the study, 60 heterosexuals, 5 bisexuals and 60 homosexuals (N= 125) were included. After filling up informed consent, they completed personal data sheet, General health Questionnaire (GHQ- 12), Klein Sexual Orientation Grid (KSOG) and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). The results did not show correlation between alexithymia and sexual orientation (r = 0.03, p = 0.75). However, on further analysis, significant negative correlation (r = -0.60, p = 0.02) with high alexithymic score.
