Limitations of a self-distanced perspective : alexithymia as a moderator of self-distancing and emotional processing
| Author(s) | Ready, Charlotte Beth | |
| Date Accessioned | 2012-11-16T13:06:05Z | |
| Date Available | 2012-11-16T13:06:05Z | |
| Publication Date | 2012 | |
| 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. | en_US |
| Advisor | Hayes, Adele M. | |
| Degree | M.A. | |
| Department | University of Delaware, Department of Psychology | |
| URL | http://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/11722 | |
| Publisher | University of Delaware | en_US |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Alexithymia. | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Cognition. | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Emotions. | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | College students. | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Rejection (Psychology) | |
| Title | Limitations of a self-distanced perspective : alexithymia as a moderator of self-distancing and emotional processing | en_US |
| Type | Thesis | en_US |