Alexithymia among Orthodox Jews: The role of object relations, family environment, and the presence of a disabled sibling

The purpose of this study was to discern how much alexithymia in Orthodox Jews is affected by object relations, psychological health in one's family of origin, and the presence of a disabled sibling. Data from background information and questionnaire responses of 73 respondents who had disabled siblings were compared with those of 63 who did not. Data analyses showed that alexithymia was predicted by Object Relations (particularly Social Incompetence) and the emotional expressiveness of one's family of origin. Sibling disability did not predict alexithymia. Determinants of participation in genetic testing for people with and without disabled siblings, and feelings toward God, effects on stigma, and effects on self esteem were explored for people with disabled siblings. Results are discussed from the perspective of Object Relations and Affect Regulation theory in the context of the contemporary sociology of Orthodox Judaism, with a particular focus on better understanding the experience of having a disabled sibling. Clinical implications and suggestions for further study are presented.