Alexithymia and Impulsivity in Combat Sports – A Tale of Three Measures

Bibliographic Data

ID13664120
AuthorsCraig Harms (0000-0001-7256-2326, Edith Cowan University, corresponding author), Oliver R Barley (0000-0002-8543-9818, Edith Cowan University)
Year2023
Volume128
Issue5
Pages3169-3191
Publication date2023-09-21
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePsychological Reports (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0033-2941 • E-ISSN: 1558-691X
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00332941231201951
PMID37732934
OpenAlexW4386909950
LanguageEN
References cited64

The purpose of this study was to compare the psychometric properties of two measures of alexithymia - the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire (PAQ) - as well as the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale 11 measure of behavioural impulsivity because the psychometric properties of these scales have not been established in athletes. As part of a larger study, 298 participants completed an online survey that included the TAS-20, PAQ, and BIS 11, as well personal- (age and gender) and sport-specific (primary combat sport and level of competition) demographic measures. A unidimensional model was retained for the TAS-20. A unidimensional model with the possibility of multidimensional measure was retained for the PAQ, with the viability of a subscale for Generalised Externally Orientated Thinking supported. The only versions of the BIS that were retainable were unidimensional models for the BIS-15 (a 15-item version of the BIS 11) and the BIS-Brief (an 8-item version of the BIS 11). As expected, the measures of alexithymia were highly correlated. The associations between impulsivity and alexithymia as well as age and alexithymia were small in nature, with none these associations moderated by level of gender, level of competition, or primary sport for the participants. No differences in alexithymia or impulsivity according to gender, level of competition, or primary sport were noted for the participants. Implications of these findings for the measures of alexithymia - the TAS-20 and PAQ - and impulsivity - the BIS-15 and BIS-Brief - examined in the present study with athletes (as well as with other populations) are discussed

Alexithymia · Athletes · Barratt Impulsiveness Scale · Developmental psychology · Impulsivity · Physical therapy · Toronto Alexithymia Scale · Action Observation and Synchronization · Clinical Psychology · Medicine · Psychology · Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments · Sport Psychology and Performance

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