Limitations of a self-distanced perspective : alexithymia as a moderator of self-distancing and emotional processing
Date
2012
Authors
Ready, Charlotte Beth
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Many researchers view cognition and emotion as interconnected components of emotional processing. Research indicates that adopting a “distanced” perspective, in which an individual explores an emotional experience from a cognitive distance, facilitates adaptive cognitive reappraisal and emotional processing of the experience. However, little is known about the benefits of self-distancing in individuals who have difficulties integrating their cognitive and emotional experiences. Alexithymia is a construct that characterizes a disconnect between cognitions and emotions, and individuals with high levels of alexithymia may not have the ability to fully engage and benefit from adopting a self-distanced perspective. Using a college-student population over-sampled for moderate to high alexithymia (N=211 study completers), the current study examined alexithymia as a moderator of the association between self-immersed and self-distanced perspectives and emotional processing when recalling an interpersonal rejection experience. Self-immersed and self-distanced perspectives were associated with higher negative affect compared to a distraction group, and alexithymia did not moderate the association between perspective and negative affect. However, alexithymia moderated the relationship of self-immersed and self-distanced perspectives with one of two measures of processing, indicating that higher levels of alexithymia may inhibit processing during self-distancing. Further examination identified the externally-oriented thinking factor of alexithymia as particularly relevant in self-distancing. Implications of these findings for the benefits of self-distancing, the conceptualization of alexithymia, and treatment are discussed.