Alexithymia, Impulsivity and Fear of Intimacy among University Students in Pakistan

Abstract

The present study investigates the relationship between alexithymia, impulsivity, and fear of intimacy among university students in Pakistan, using the Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire (PAQ), the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), and the Fear of Intimacy Scale (FIS). A cross- sectional design is used as data was collected from 300 students aged 18 to 29. Results revealed significant positive correlations among the study variables. Subscales of the PAQ and BIS, including difficulties in identifying and describing emotions, externally oriented thinking, and non-planning impulsivity, showed significant positive associations with fear of intimacy. Participants with negative past relationships exhibited higher levels of fear of intimacy than those with positive experiences. No significant gender differences were observed. These findings emphasize the role that alexithymia and impulsivity have on fear of intimacy. By examining alexithymia as cognitive and impulsivity as behavioral elements of the cognitive-behavioral frameworks, this study contributes to the understanding of relational anxieties in the context of Pakistani university students.