The validity of the California Q-set alexithymia prototype

The author examined the validity of the California Q-set Alexithymia Prototype (CAQ-AP), an observer- and self-report measure of the alexithymia construct. Alexithymia similarity scores (based on observer reports) were correlated with scores on several relevant self-report scales in a sample of 155 undergraduate college students. Alexithymia was positively correlated with neuroticism, depression, and anxiety; and negatively with extraversion, openness, and emotional expression. These correlations were statistically significant (P<0.05) and in the expected direction. The CAQ-AP has passed its second validity check and, again, can be recommended as an observer measure of the alexithymia construct.