Different subgroups of high-scorers on the TAS-20 based on the big five personality traits

We investigated whether it was possible to obtain a consistent representation of the alexithymia trait by using the twenty-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). TAS-20 and the NEO-Five Factor Inventory were administered to nonclinical participants (N = 2188). The results of hierarchical cluster analysis and a two-way analysis of variance indicated two subgroups with high scores on the TAS-20. One group had difficulty identifying feelings and high neuroticism; the other had a high externally oriented cognitive style and low openness to experience. These results suggest that the total score on the TAS-20 should not be considered a uni-dimensional measure of alexithymia.