Relationship between alexithymia and interpersonal problems in Students of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences

Background: The aim of this study was to determine relationship between alexithymia and interpersonal problems in Kermanshah University of medical sciences.
Methods: The design of research was descriptive-analytic  correlation. The statistical population was the entire male and female students of Kermanshah University of medical sciences include 3470 persons. Use of Morgan table, 400 people was  selected as statistical sample by stratified random sampling.  All participants were asked to complete Farsi version of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (FTAS-20), and Inventory of interpersonal
Problems (IIP-60). The data were analyzed by the use of descriptive statistics and Pearson–correlation coefficient and independent t. test.
Results: Analysis of the data revealed a significant positive correlation between alexithymia with interpersonal problems(r=0.14, P=0.004). Also, Finding showed that there was positive significant correlation between alexithymia and assertiveness(r=0.19, P=0.001), sincerity (P=0.001, r=0.20), responsibility(r=0.25, P=0.001), controlling (P=0.02, r=0.11). But other components (openness and compliancy), were not significant. There is a significant difference in alexithymia between men (40.36) and women (37.35), but this difference was not significant for interpersonal problems.
Conclusion: Based on finding of present study, alexithymia was correlated positively with interpersonal problems, so presenting educational planning can regulate emotion and prevent students' interpersonal problems.