Alexithymia and trauma in the prison population

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dc.check.chapterOfThesisN/Aen
dc.contributor.advisorRyan, Christian
dc.contributor.advisorKeating, Kim
dc.contributor.authorde BĂșrca, Isobelen
dc.contributor.funderHealth Service Executive
dc.date.accessioned2025-10-06T10:55:50Z
dc.date.available2025-10-06T10:55:50Z
dc.date.issued2025
dc.date.submitted2025
dc.description.abstractAlexithymia has been increasingly associated with criminal behaviour, impulsivity, aggression, and difficulties in emotion regulation, with research suggesting that it may be more common in prison populations than in the general population. Trauma has also been proposed as a potential factor influencing this relationship. The current research presents two complementary studies. First, a scoping review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines to examine existing literature on alexithymia in offender populations. Forty-three studies were included, which generally indicated that alexithymia may be widespread in these cohorts and is often linked with aggression, trauma, and mental health difficulties, suggesting a possible role in shaping emotional and behavioural outcomes. Second, an empirical study explored the prevalence and characteristics of alexithymia within an Irish prison population, with particular attention to trauma history and the distinction between primary and secondary alexithymia. Thirty-five male prisoners completed measures of trauma (Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, Trauma History Questionnaire) and alexithymia (TAS-20, APRQ). Results suggested elevated rates of alexithymia and high levels of trauma exposure, with many participants reporting multiple ACEs. Preliminary analyses indicated a modest association between observer-rated alexithymia and ACE scores, and cluster analysis pointed to potential subgroups that may align with primary (low trauma, higher alexithymia) and secondary (high trauma, higher alexithymia) alexithymia. Taken together, these findings tentatively highlight the value of trauma-informed assessment and intervention in forensic settings, which may help to support emotional regulation, interpersonal functioning, and rehabilitation outcomes.en
dc.description.statusNot peer revieweden
dc.description.versionAccepted Versionen
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdfen
dc.identifier.citationde BĂșrca, I. 2025. Alexithymia and trauma in the prison population. DClinPsych Thesis, University College Cork.
dc.identifier.endpage209
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10468/17955
dc.language.isoenen
dc.publisherUniversity College Corken
dc.rights© 2025, Isobel de BĂșrca.
dc.rights.urihttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
dc.subjectAlexithymia
dc.subjectPrison population
dc.subjectForensic psychology
dc.subjectTrauma Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
dc.subjectPrimary and secondary alexithymia
dc.titleAlexithymia and trauma in the prison population
dc.title.alternativeStudy 1: Alexithymia in the prison population, a scoping review
dc.title.alternativeStudy 2: Locked away: exploring alexithymia and trauma among Irish prisoners
dc.typeDoctoral thesisen
dc.type.qualificationlevelPractitioner Doctorateen
dc.type.qualificationnameDClinPsych - Doctor of Clinical Psychologyen
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