In collaboration with Payame Noor University and Iranian Association of Social Psychology

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Faculty of Educational Science and Psychology, Tabriz University

2 M.A. Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Educational Science and Psychology, Tabriz University

3 PhD Student, Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Educational Science and Psychology, Tabriz University

Abstract

Aims: Several studies have had different results about Alexithymia and the Theory of Mind in males and females. The aim of this study was to compare the rate of Alexithymia and Theory of Mind in under-graduate students. Method: In this comparative research, using convenience method, 284 undergraduate students (123 male and 161 female) from different fields of study such as Humanities, Engineering, and Basic Science were selected. They were assessed through completed Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) as well as appraisal and computerized version of revised reading the mind in the eyes test. Data were analyzed using Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA). Results: The results revealed that there was a significant difference between both groups in Theory of mind and "external oriented thinking (EOT)" subscale of Alexithymia. Findings demonstrated that scores of male students were lower than the female students in TOM but in EOT subscale were higher than females. Conclusion:  It can be concluded that female students are better in Theory of Mind and are less alexithymic than male students.

Highlights

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