The Mediating Role of Stigma of Loneliness and Family Protective Factors in Predicting Alexithymia Levels Among Adults

Abstract

This study examines the mediating role of family protective factors in the relationship between stigma of loneliness and alexithymia among adults. Stigma of loneliness may lead individuals to perceive loneliness as socially undesirable, which can negatively affect emotional processes and interpersonal relationships. Alexithymia, characterized by difficulties in identifying and expressing emotions, may further limit emotional regulation and social functioning. Within this framework, the study investigates whether supportive family characteristics buffer the negative effects of loneliness stigma on emotional processing. The findings indicate that stigma of loneliness is positively associated with alexithymia, whereas family protective factors are negatively associated with both variables. Moreover, family protective factors were found to play a partial mediating role in the relationship between stigma of loneliness and alexithymia. Overall, the results suggest that higher levels of loneliness stigma are linked to increased emotional processing difficulties, while supportive family environments may mitigate these effects. These findings highlight the importance of family-based emotional support systems in promoting psychological well-being and reducing the negative impact of stigma-related experiences.

Keywords

• alexithymia
• Stigma of loneliness
• family protective factors
• mediation
• emotional regulation

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