Sexism and alexithymia: correlations and differences as a function of gender, age, and educational level

Authors

  • Maite Garaigordobil Department of Personality, Assessment, and Psychological Treatments. Faculty of Psychology. University of the Basque Country
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6018/analesps.29.2.132261
Keywords: Sexism, alexithymia, personality, psychopathology, gender

Supporting Agencies

  • Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation [Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación Español (MICINN)] (I D i) (FEM2009-09456)

Abstract

The goals of the study were to analyze differences as a function of gender, age, and educational level in sexism and alexithymia in a nonclinical and in a clinical sample, and to explore the relation between these constructs. A descriptive and correlational cross-sectional methodology was used. The Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (Glick & Fiske, 1996) and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (Parker et al. 1993) were administered. The sample comprised 989 participants from the Basque Country, aged between 18 and 65 years. The results revealed: 1) Significantly higher scores in the males in sexism (hostile, benevolent, and ambivalent) and in alexithymia (difficulties to express emotions and external-oriented thinking) in both samples; in the total alexithymia score, the males had significantly higher scores only in the nonclinical sample; 2) As of 55 years of age, a significant increase in benevolent and ambivalent sexism, and in difficulties to identify emotions, external-oriented thinking, and in the total alexithymia score were observed (only in the nonclinical sample); however, no changes with age were observed in hostile sexism and in difficulties to express emotions; 3) A decrease in sexism and alexithymia as the educational level increased; and 4) Significant positive correlations between sexism and alexithymia.

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Author Biography

Maite Garaigordobil, Department of Personality, Assessment, and Psychological Treatments. Faculty of Psychology. University of the Basque Country

Dpto. de Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamiento Psicológico.

Catedrática de Evaluación y Diagnóstico Psicológicos.

Published
28-04-2013
How to Cite
Garaigordobil, M. (2013). Sexism and alexithymia: correlations and differences as a function of gender, age, and educational level. Anales de Psicología / Annals of Psychology, 29(2), 368–377. https://doi.org/10.6018/analesps.29.2.132261
Issue
Section
Clinical and Health Psychology