Alexithymia and its Association with Eating Behaviours and Emotion Regulation Among Adolescents with Depression
Küçük Resim Yok
Tarih
2026
Yazarlar
Dergi Başlığı
Dergi ISSN
Cilt Başlığı
Yayıncı
Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Erişim Hakkı
info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess
Özet
Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), a common psychiatric condition in adolescence, is often accompanied by alexithymia, emotion regulation difficulties, and maladaptive eating behaviours. These interrelated factors may contribute to the onset and persistence of depressive symptoms, highlighting the need for integrated assessment strategies. Objective: This study aimed to examine the associations between alexithymia, eating behaviours, and emotion regulation difficulties in adolescents diagnosed with MDD and compare these variables with those of healthy controls. Methods: The study included 60 adolescents with MDD and 60 age-and gender-matched healthy controls, yielding a total sample size of 120. Participants completed the Sociodemographic Data Form, Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS), Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Adolescents with MDD scored significantly higher on the RCADS, TAS, and DERS totals and subscales compared to controls. Emotional and restrictive eating scores on the DEBQ were also significantly higher in the MDD group. However, there was no difference in external eating scores. Total alexithymia scores were positively correlated with depressive symptoms, emotion regulation difficulties, and restrictive eating. Mediation analysis revealed that emotion regulation difficulties significantly mediated the relationship between alexithymia and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Alexithymia is highly prevalent among adolescents with MDD and is closely linked to emotion regulation difficulties and maladaptive eating behaviours. Early diagnosis and targeted intervention for alexithymia in depressed adolescents may strengthen treatment outcomes and overall clinical presentation. © 2026, Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. All rights reserved.
Açıklama
Anahtar Kelimeler
Adolescents, Alexithymia, Eating Behaviours, Emotion Regulation, Major Depressive Disorder
Kaynak
Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
WoS Q Değeri
Scopus Q Değeri
Q1
Cilt
35
Sayı
1
