ALEXITHYMIA AND THE INTERPRETATION OF EMOTION-RELEVANT INFORMATION

This study examined the relationship between alexithymia and (a) hemis patial bias; (b) the accuracy of interpreting emotion-relevant informa tion; and (c) the style of interpreting emotion-relevant information. Subjects were 137 college students. Alexithymia was measured using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Hemispatial bias was measured using a free -vision chimeric face task. Interpretations of emotion-relevant inform ation were assessed using the Profile of Nonverbal Sensitivity (PONS) and a second instrument designed for this study called the Emotional S tory Test (EST). Although high levels of alexithymia were associated w ith hemispatial bias, alexithymia was not associated with the accuracy of subjects' interpretations. In contrast, alexithymia was associated with low ratings of emotional intensity and with subjects' inclinatio ns to choose angry and dominant interpretations.