The Mediating Role of Alexithymia in the Relationship Between Anxiety and Trauma Responses in Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the anxiety levels, trauma reactions, alexithymia levels and coping strategies of adolescents previously diagnosed with an anxiety disorder (AD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Trauma reactions were assessed using the Children’s Impact of Event Scale(Cries-13) and childhood anxiety disorders were identified using the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders(Scared). Alexithymia levels were assessed using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (Tas-20). According to this scale, the sample was classified as alexithymic group if the total score was ≥52 and as non-alexithymic group if the total score was ≤ 51. Adolescents’ coping strategies were assessed using the Turkish version of the Kidcope (Kidcope-T). Results: The alexithymic group scored higher than the non-alexithymic group on the Cries-13, Scared, Kidcope avoidant coping and Kidcope negative coping subscales. Tas-20 scores were associated with Scared and Cries-13 scores, as well as with Kidcope scores, in adolescents diagnosed with AD. Mediation analysis revealed that alexithymia fully mediated the relationship between the Cries-13 and Scared scores. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that alexithymia is associated with anxiety and trauma responses, and that it may play a mediating role in the development of psychopathologies. The findings suggest that interventions targeting alexithymia and maladaptive coping behaviors could help to reduce the negative psychological effects of the pandemic. In clinical practice, assessing alexithymia could inform treatment approaches.