An observer scale to measure alexithymia

The authors developed a relatively brief observer alexithymia measure that can be used by patients' acquaintances and relatives. Items corresponding t o the defining features of alexithymia (California Q-Set Alexithymia Protot ype) were written, and the new instrument's psychometric properties were ev aluated in 3 lay-rater samples. The 33-item Observer Alexithymia Scale (OAS ) is internally consistent (coefficient alphas = 0.88 and 0.89) and stable (2-week test-retest reliability = 0.87), Moreover it has all interpretable five-factor structure (based on exploratory and confirmatory factor analysi s): distant, uninsightful somatizing, humorless, and rigid. The OAS is a re liable instrument with a stable factor structure and good conceptual covera ge and thus, it appears to be a useful tool for collecting observer data on the clinically relevant expressions of alexithymia that receive minimal at tention.