Family Functioning and Alexithymia: A Cross-Cultural Study in Pakistani and Australian Adults

Abstract

The present study is focused on investigating the relationship between family functioning and alexithymia, as well as to examine any cross-cultural differences in these factors among Pakistani and Australian adults. The sample for this cross-sectional study consisted of 250 adults, ranging in age from 18 to 40 years. Among them, 150 adults were from Pakistan, with an age range of 18 to 37, and 100 adults were from Australia, with an age range of 18 to 40. A convenient online mode of data collection was applied that enabled a wider range of individuals from Pakistan and Australia to participate. Self-report measures including the demographic questionnaire, Family Assessment Device (FAD), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) were used to assess the study variables. The correlation analysis demonstrated a positive relationship between alexithymia and general family functioning, as well as all subscales of family functioning in both the Pakistani and Australian samples. Indicating poor family functioning has a relationship with the prevalence of alexithymia in adults of both Australian and Pakistani groups. Hierarchical regression analysis also indicated that general family functioning and all subscales of family functioning (communication, problem-solving, roles, affective responsiveness, affective involvement, and behavior control) positively predicted alexithymia. Moreover, the independent samples t-test revealed that the prevalence of alexithymia was significantly different in family functioning, communication, roles, affective responsiveness, and affective involvement whereas there was no difference in externally oriented thinking, problem-solving, or behavioral control between Pakistani and Australian adults. The study's findings highlight the importance of family functioning in impacting individual's emotional expressiveness and the need for culturally sensitive therapeutic approaches.