The Mediation Role of Trait Mindfulness in the Relationship between Alexithymia and Alcohol Consumption

Abstract

Even though the relationship between alexithymia and alcohol consumption has been long established, little is known about the factors which may explain this association. The purpose of this study was to investigate trait mindfulness as the mediator of the association between alexithymia and alcohol use. The study was conducted online. A convenient sample was used in the study which consisted of 629 adult participants (243 males). Alexithymia, mindfulness, and, alcohol consumption were assessed with questionnaires. The results were analyzed with Proces macro. The results revealed a full mediation between alexithymia, trait mindfulness and, alcohol consumption. It was shown that high alexithymia via high trait mindfulness contributes to greater levels of alcohol use. The present findings are discussed in the light of mindfulness as a mechanism which guide adaptable and unadaptable tendencies which therefore, can control the consequences alexithymia has on alcohol use.