Thesis Title: Alexithymia, Negative thoughts and Depressive Symptoms in Young Adults
Student Name: Maheen Gillani
Supervisor: Zaeema Farooq
Degree: MSc
Year: 2016-2018
Department: Institute of Applied Psychology
University: Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245
Abstract
The present study was carried out to investigate the relationship between alexithymia, negative thoughts (personal maladjustment and desire for change, negative self-concepts and negative expectations, low self- esteem, and helplessness) and depressive symptoms in young adults. It was hypothesized that there would be a relationship between alexithymia, negative thoughts and depressive symptoms. Alexithymia and negative thoughts would be predict depressive symptoms among young adults. Moreover, negative thoughts would be moderate the relationship of alexithymia and depressive symptoms. Correlational research design was used in this study. The sample comprised of N = 200 (n = 100 men, n = 100 women) young adults with the age range of 18-35 years using convenience sampling technique. Automatic Thought Questionnaire (Hollon & Kendall, 1980), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (Taylor & Bagby, 1986) and Beck Depression Inventory (Beck, 1961) were used for data collection. Results revealed a positive correlation between alexithymia, negative thoughts (personal maladjustment and desire for change, negative self-concepts and negative expectations, low self-esteem, and helplessness) and depressive symptoms. Negative self-concept and negative expectation was a positive predictor of depressive symptoms. Moreover, low self-esteem was found to be a moderator between the relationship of alexithymia and depressive symptoms. This research will help that how alexithymia and negative thoughts leads to depressive symptoms among young adults.
Keywords: Alexithymia, negative thoughts, depressive symptoms.
