Author: Sidra Qamar
Supervisor: Humaira Naz
Degree: BS
Year: 2009-2013
University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the differences of Alexithymia and Cognitive Emotion Regulation among hypertensive and non-hypertensive control. Between Groups research design was used for this purpose. A total of 140 adults (70 hypertensive & 70 non- hypertensive, age range = 35-60 years) was taken as sample for the study. It was hypothesized that there would be a difference on Alexithymia and its dimensions among hypertensive and non- hypertensive control. Furthermore it was also hypothesized that the two groups would differ on various Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies. The tools used for assessment were Bermond– Vorst Alexithymia questionnaire (BVAQ); (Bermond & Vorst) and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ); (Garnefski & Kraaij). The findings showed that Alexithymia and its dimensions were high in hypertensive patients than non-hypertensive control. Furthermore, it was seen that hypertensive’s made more use of Rumination, Catastrophizing, and Other blame strategies when faced with negative life events. Whereas they focus less on Positive Refocusing, Refocus on planning, Positive reappraisal and Putting into perspective coping strategies as compared to the normal control group. The correlation results revealed that Alexithymia had positive associations with Rumination, Catastrophizing and Other blame. However, it was negatively correlated with Positive Refocusing and Refocus on planning strategies of Cognitive Emotion Regulation. The present study findings could be used for the control and prevention of emotional problems and its maladaptive regulation associated with various psychophysiological disorders like hypertension.
Keywords: Hypertension, Alexithymia, Cognitive Emotion Regulation.
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Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245
