Work

Alexithymia in Persons With Neurodegenerative Disease Is Associated With Worse Relationship Quality for Their Care Partners via Shared Negative Affect

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Difficulty identifying and describing one’s emotions (i.e., alexithymia) is associated with greater negative affect and poorer relationship quality and common in persons with neurodegenerative diseases (PWNDs). The pathways connecting alexithymia and poor relationship quality are not clear, but one candidate could be shared affect. In this study, we investigate (a) whether alexithymia in PWNDs was associated with worse relationship quality, (b) whether shared negative affect or positive affect were associated with relationship quality, and (c) the extent to which shared affect explained the relationship between alexithymia and relationship quality. Trained coders viewed video recordings of PWNDs and their spousal care partners ( N = 225) engaging in a 10-min conversation about a relationship conflict and continuously rated the emotional valence of each dyad member. Results revealed that greater alexithymia in PWNDs was associated with worse relationship quality. Path analyses showed that greater shared negative but not positive affect partially explained this association.

Source: Clinical Psychological Science

DOI: 10.1177/21677026261474829

Authors: Breanna M. Bullard, Enna Y. Chen, Ariana G. Diaz, Robert W. Levenson, Barbara L. Fredrickson, Casey K. Brown

Institutions: University of California, Berkeley, Stanford University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Georgetown University

Language: English

Topic: Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900