The Relationship Between Alexithymia and Eating Disorders: The Mediating Role of Self-differentiation

Abstract

Background: Recent studies have confirmed that emotion regulation and emotional distress contribute to the persistence of eating disorders and mediate the relationship between self-differentiation and eating disorders. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association between alexithymia and eating disorders, considering the mediating role of self-differentiation among university students in Tehran. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study employed path analysis. The study population comprised all students enrolled in universities in Tehran during the 2024 - 2025 academic year. In total, 240 participants were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20, and the Differentiation of Self Inventory. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and AMOS software. Results: The findings indicated that the indirect effect of alexithymia on eating disorders through self-differentiation was positive and significant (P < 0.01). Bootstrap mediation analysis further confirmed that self-differentiation mediated the relationship between alexithymia and eating disorders (P < 0.01). Moreover, the direct effect of self-differentiation on eating disorders was negative and significant (P < 0.01), indicating that higher levels of self-differentiation were associated with fewer eating disorder symptoms. Conclusions: These results underscore the importance of educational and therapeutic programs aimed at reducing alexithymia and enhancing self-differentiation to promote student mental health.