Gender differences in alexithymia: Insights from an Updated Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Alexithymia refers to the difficulty in identifying and communicating feelings. The only published meta-analysis on gender differences in alexithymia is based on studies at least 20 years old. However, due to changes in gender roles in recent decades, reviewing the updated literature on this topic is needed. A meta-analysis was conducted to examine gender differences in alexithymia and its dimensions between the years 2004 and 2023. In sum, 120 studies with 145 samples (N = 88,721; Mage = 33.81 and SDage = 3; 47.6 % of women) met the inclusion criteria. Results revealed a significant and small effect of gender differences in alexithymia (d = 0.22; 95 % CI [0.20, 0.24]), as well as in its two dimensions: difficulties in identifying and differentiating feeling from bodily sensations (d = -0.24; 95 % CI [0.20, 0.28]) and difficulties in describing feelings to others (d = 0.26; 95 % CI [0.20, 0.30]). A medium and statistically significant effect size was only observed in externally oriented thinking (d = 0.49; 95 % CI [0.41, 0.58]). Age-related and some cultural aspects were relevant moderators in explaining gender differences in alexithymia. The results are discussed in light of theoretical and practical implications.