Abstract

The moderating role of attachment styles on the relationship between alexithymia and interpersonal problems
was assessed in the present study. Eight hundred and twenty nine Iranian general populations (372 men, 457
women) who were living in Tehran were involved in this study. The participants were asked to complete three
questionnaires including Adult Attachment Inventory, Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20, and Inventory of
Interpersonal Problems. Results showed a significant negative correlation between secure attachment style and
interpersonal problems. Moreover, the results revealed that avoidant and ambivalent attachment styles as well as
alexithymia had a significant positive correlation with interpersonal problems. Regression analysis indicated that
attachment styles have a moderating role on the relationship between alexithymia and interpersonal problems. It
can be concluded that the relationship between alexithymia and interpersonal problems is not a simple linear one.
This is partly moderated by attachment styles.

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