A Study of the Influence of Alexithymia on the Family Performance of the Couples Referring to Counseling and Psychotherapy Centers

This study aims at investigating the predictive role of Alexithymia and demographic factors in the family performance of couples referring to counseling and psychotherapy centers. In a cross-sectional study، 133 participants (42 males and 91 females) from among those referring to the counseling and psychotherapy centers of Tehran were selected through convenience sampling method and were given a demographical questionnaire، Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) and Family Assessment Device (FAD) to complete. The stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that statistically there was a significant negative relationship between Alexithymia and family performance and there was a significant positive relationship between literacy level and family performance. Also، Alexithymia and literacy level could predict the statistical significance of family performance and totally explained 25% of family performance variance. Gender and age weren’t capable of predicting family performance. Therefore، Alexithymia and low literacy level lead to negative performance in a family. Thus، identification of and intervention in Alexithymia and tailoring therapeutic programs to literacy level are imperative for improvement of couples’ family performance.