Affect intensity and alexithymia differentially influence the relationship between neuroticism and depressive symptomatology among college students

Recently, there has been much interest in explaining the robust relationship between neuroticism and depression among the college population. The present study adds to this literature by examining the role of emotionality in this link. Specifically, two facets of affect intensity and three facets of alexithymia were examined as possible mediators among a sample of 246 college students. The results revealed that the Difficulty Identifying Feelings facet of alexithymia partially explained the depression that neurotic college students experienced. This finding is discussed within the framework of emotional development and a self-awareness theory of depression.