Alexithymia and attachment style in relation to locus of control

This study examines the relationship between internal-external locus of control, alexithymia, and adult attachment style. A population of 220 undergraduate medical students at the University of Vienna completed, in a single session, the Questionnaire of Competence and Control Orientation (FKK), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and the Adult Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ). Results from this study reveal that participants with an internal locus of control show lower scores on alexithymia and report more confidence, which is associated with secure attachment style. Overall this study finds a significant association between low alexithymia, and secure attachment style controlling the influence of the locus of control. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.