The Normative Male Alexithymia Scale: Measurement of a Gender-Linked Syndrome

This series of studies assessed the psychometric properties of the Normative Male Alexithymia Scale (NMAS), a brief scale designed to assess normative male alexithymia. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses using separate samples ( n = 248 and 467, respectively) indicated that the NMAS consisted of a single 20-item factor. Scores on the NMAS displayed very good internal consistency (α = .92-.93), and test-retest reliability ( r = .86-.91) over a 1-2 month period. Results of analyses of gender differences, relations of the NMAS with other instruments, and its incremental validity in predicting masculinity ideology, provide evidence supporting the validity of the scale. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.