Parental Bonding and Alexithymia in Adults With Fibromyalgia

In a cross-sectional study, the authors investigated 40 female patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) for the degree of alexithymia and parental bonding style. Alexithymia was assessed by the Toronto Alexithymia Scale–26; parental style by the FDEB (a German version of the Measure of Parental Style). In 15% of patients with FS, clinically significant alexithymia was found. Also, there was a positive association between the alexithymia scores (TAS total score) and “maternal abuse” and higher values in “paternal indifference,” which predicted higher scores on “Difficulties identifying feelings” (TAS). The results of this study suggest that parental styles are associated with higher alexithymia scores.