Understanding the influence of early life challenges on alexithymia: A comparative study of offenders and a community sample

Background: Individuals who experience adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are likely to display alexithymia and are more prone to engage in criminal behaviors. Objectives: This study aims to assess the relationship between ACEs and alexithymia, to compare a sample of offenders with a community sample in ACEs and alexithymia, and to analyze the predictors of alexithymia. Methods: The sample comprised 540 participants of both sexes, with 405 individuals from the community and 135 incarcerated individuals. The participants responded to the sociodemographic questionnaire, the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACEs), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Results: Both samples revealed positive correlations between ACEs and alexithymia. Offenders revealed significantly higher scores of ACEs and alexithymia compared to the community sample. Additionally, emotional neglect in childhood is a significant predictor of alexithymia. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the importance of developing prevention strategies to reduce the prevalence of ACEs and alexithymia and decrease their adverse consequences. Further research must be conducted to understand better the intricate interactions between ACEs, alexithymia, and criminal behavior.