Expression of Unfavorable Emotions in Japanese College Students with Alexithymic Characteristics

We examined the association of alexithymic characteristics and the expression of unfavorable feelings such as anger and hostility in a sample of 489 Japanese college students. Analysis suggested that alexithymic college students are prone to indicate not only emotional instability but also cynical hostility and anger. On the contrary, alexithymic college students indicated significantly higher scores on Anger-in and Anger Control, which may be related to Japanese sociocultural aspects. In particular, Anger Control was stronger in the men who were alexithymic, suggesting that they may unconsciously struggle for the suppression or control of unfavorable feelings such as anger and hostility to stabilize their inner emotions.