The Relative Contribution of Alexithymia to Psychosomatic Symptoms among Abused Women in Jordan

Abstract

Objectives: The current study aimed to reveal the level of both alexithymia and psychosomatic disorders in abused women, and it also aims to reveal the predictive ability of alexithymia and psychosomatic disorders in abused women.

Methodology: The descriptive predictive approach was used to detect the level of alexithymia and psychosomatic disorders among abused women, and to reveal the predictive ability of alexithymia for their psychosomatic disorders. This is due to its suitability to the nature and objectives of this study. The alexithymia scale and the psychosomatic disorders scale were used.The study sample consisted of (267) abused women who visited the Family Reconciliation House and the Jordanian Women’s Union in the city of Irbid, during the time period from 12/2/2024 to 2/5/2025. They were selected using the available method, including (113) women who visited the Family Reconciliation House, and (154) women who visited the Jordanian Women’s Union.

Results: The results of the study indicated that the level of alexithymia among the sample of abused women was high. The results also indicated that the level of psychosomatic disorders among the sample of abused women was moderate. The results also indicated that the level of psychosomatic disorders increases by (0.420) of a standard unit whenever the level of alexithymia increases by one standard unit (standard deviation), and increases by (0.431) of a standard unit when moving from the age group (25 years and under) to the age group (41 years and above), and decreases by (0.123) of a standard unit when moving from the academic qualification category (high school and below) to the academic qualification category (studies Alia).

Conclusion: Alexithymia is closely linked to psychosomatic disorders in abused women, as this condition increases the chances of developing health problems such as chronic headaches, digestive disorders, and fibromyalgia, as a result of the inability to deal with emotional stress. Continuing violence also exacerbates these problems, making psychological and therapeutic interventions necessary to help them develop emotional awareness and improve their quality of life.