Targets of Psychological Work for High Alexithymia People

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Abstract

The article reviewed the modern empirical studies of alexithymia, summarized the theoretical understanding of the phenomenon of alexithymia, describes the difficulties faced by the people with a high level of alexithymia and suggested tips on psychological work with the alexithymic people. The novelty of this research consists in the formulation of the aspects of the practical work of a psychologist in order to increase the level of the adaptation of the alexithymics and improve the quality of their life. At the moment, this problem is covered in only a small amount of research. The main result of the article is the identification of the areas of psychological work with the alexithymics: (1) the improvement of the connection with the body; (2) the correction of personality problems; (3) the psychological assistance in the harmonization of the interpersonal relations. It has been shown that disrupted connection with the body is one of the most significant problems of the alexithymics and the factor which contributes to the development of psychosomatic diseases. For the improvement of the connection with the body the authors suggest such types of psychological work as the differentiation of physical feelings, a fuller understanding of the body map, the ability to control the condition of the body, the acceptance of the body and the increase in the satisfaction with it. The ways of working with the most significant personality problems of the alexithymics are singled out (correction of non-adaptive coping-strategies, low level of life satisfaction, rigidity, and instability of the emotional sphere). The areas of work on improving the relations of the alexithymics with the surrounding people are highlighted (gaining more knowledge about the emotional sphere, working with friends and relatives, teaching communication skills, taking into account the influence of alexithymia). Finally, the conclusion is made about the importance of the integrated psychological work with the people with a high level of alexithymia in order to develop the specific tools for comprehensive assistance to alexithymics.

About the authors

Emma V Gaus

Southern Federal University

Author for correspondence.
Email: emma@psygod.ru

postgraduate student of General and Pedagogical Psychology Department, Academy of Psychology and Pedagogy, Southern Federal University

13 Nagibina Ave., Rostov-na-Donu, 344038, Russian Federation

Evgeny A Pronenko

Southern Federal University

Email: pronenko@sfedu.ru

Lecturer of General and Pedagogical Psychology Department, Academy of Psychology and Pedagogy, Southern Federal University

13 Nagibina Ave., Rostov-na-Donu, 344038, Russian Federation

Olga S Vasilyeva

Southern Federal University

Email: vos@sfedu.ru

Ph.D. in Biology, Professor, Professor of General and Pedagogical Psychology Department, Academy of Psychology and Pedagogy, Southern Federal University

13 Nagibina Ave., Rostov-na-Donu, 344038, Russian Federation

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Copyright (c) 2019 Gaus E.V., Pronenko E.A., Vasilyeva O.S.

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