The Link Between Childhood Trauma and Adult Emotional Difficulties Explored.

A new meta-analysis reveals a strong correlation between alexithymia, a difficulty in identifying and describing emotions, and various forms of child maltreatment, particularly emotional neglect, emotional abuse, and physical neglect. The study highlights the need for tailored therapeutic interventions to aid millions struggling with social and intimate relationships. Approximately 10% of the general population exhibits clinically relevant levels of alexithymia, with a higher prevalence in men. High levels of alexithymia are associated with psychological disorders, including autism, depression, and schizophrenia.