Features of the Attributional Style of Individuals with Alexithymia and Psychopathy
Abstract
The aim of the study is to determine the features of the attributional style of individuals with alexithymia and psychopathy. Methods. Theoretical methods: analysis and generalization of theoretical propositions related to the research problem, based on a review of scientific sources and research data; empirical methods: Seligman Attributional Style Questionnaire (Seligman, 2006), 26-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (Taylor et al. 1985), Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (Levenson, 1995); methods of mathematical statistics. Results. The interrelations between alexithymia, psychopathic traits, and attributional style were studied. A negative correlation between alexithymia and the general level of optimism was established (R = –.32; p < .010). It was found that the primary factor of psychopathy has a weak but significant direct correlation with alexithymia (R = .20; p < .050). Secondary psychopathy has a high direct correlation with alexithymia (R = .46; p < .010). It was determined that the primary factor of psychopathy has a direct correlation with the general level of optimism (R = .29; p < .010). A negative correlation between secondary psychopathy and the general level of optimism was noted (R = –.28; p < .010). Numerous significant inverse correlations between specific cognitive attitudes that constitute an optimistic attributional style, alexithymia, and the secondary factor of psychopathy were identified. Discussion and Conclusions. The specific features of the attributional style of individuals with alexithymia and psychopathy were determined, and the connections of psychological constructs with the components of the attributional style were clarified. The presence of a relationship between alexithymia and primary and secondary psychopathy was demonstrated. It was found that individuals with alexithymia and secondary psychopathy are characterized by a pessimistic attributional style, whereas those with primary psychopathy are characterized by an optimistic attributional style. The attributional style of people with secondary psychopathy is mainly depressogenic, in contrast to people with primary psychopathy, in whom such a feature is not observed. The study results may be useful in choosing psychocorrectional strategies for individuals with alexithymia and psychopathy.
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