Toronto Alexithymia Scale, TAS

Have you ever been told to listen to your heart in a difficult situation? But what if the heart is silent or sends confusing signals? A person needs to understand their feelings and emotions, be aware of them, and distinguish between them in order to have a clear sense of who they are. However, there are people who struggle to identify their emotions or put their feelings into words.

The term "alexithymia" was coined by the psychiatrist Peter E. Sifneos in 1973, and comes from the Greek for "without words for feelings." This trait is not a mental disorder, but rather a personality characteristic. However, it may cause difficulties with social adjustment for a person with this condition; alexithymia affects all aspects of a person's life. This condition manifests as a reduced ability or inability to recognize, distinguish, and express emotions and bodily sensations.

Causes of alexithymia can vary. Congenital alexithymia may stem from a physical impairment or be inherited. Acquired alexithymia can be the result of traumatic events, stress, neurological diseases, and psychological trauma.

About 7 percent of the world's population show signs of alexithymia, and men are 4 times more likely to develop it than women. Of course, the stereotype that a real man should not openly show emotions has also played a significant role in this…