Alexithymia and defense mechanisms in myocardial infarction

The relationship between alexithymia and defense mechanisms was examined among 66 patients with myocardial infarction. Alexithymia was greater among patients with acute myocardial infarction than among those with old myocardial infarction. Alexithymia was correlated with scores on measures of the de...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPsychological reports Vol. 75; no. 1 Pt 1; p. 219
Main Authors Fukunishi, I, Numata, Y, Hattori, M
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.08.1994
Subjects
Adaptation, Psychological
Adult
Affective Symptoms - psychology
Aged
Defense Mechanisms
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Myocardial Infarction - psychology
Personality Inventory
Sick Role
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Summary:The relationship between alexithymia and defense mechanisms was examined among 66 patients with myocardial infarction. Alexithymia was greater among patients with acute myocardial infarction than among those with old myocardial infarction. Alexithymia was correlated with scores on measures of the defense mechanisms of denial, negation, repression, and reaction formation. The results suggest the possibility that alexithymia may be evident when effective coping mechanisms are employed to minimize the severity of perceived threats or conflicts.
ISSN:0033-2941
DOI:10.2466/pr0.1994.75.1.219