Alexithymia among Jordanian university students: Its prevalence and correlates with depression, anxiety, stress, and demographics

PurposeThe aim of the article is to identify the prevalence, levels, and associated factors of alexithymia among Jordanian university students. Design and MethodsUsing stratified cluster random sampling, data were collected from 492 students using Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). FindingsThe prevalence of alexithymia, depression, anxiety, and stress were 24.6, 28.5, 38.4, and 22.6%, respectively, and were all higher among females. Alexithymia correlated with five factors: depression, anxiety, stress, female gender, and satisfaction with life. Practical ImplicationsThere is a need for screening and interventional programs that prevent or alleviate the symptoms of alexithymia, depression, anxiety, and stress among university students.