Group Skills Training (DBT vs CBT) for Alexithymia in Young Adult Women

This pilot randomized controlled trial examined whether group skills training based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can reduce alexithymia (difficulty identifying and describing emotions), anxiety, and interpersonal problems in young adult women with elevated alexithymia. Forty-one women aged 18-25 were randomly assigned to a DBT skills-training group, a CBT skills-training group, or a waitlist control group. Both active groups attended 12 weekly online group sessions of 90 minutes. Alexithymia, anxiety, interpersonal problems, mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal competence, and distress tolerance were assessed before, midway through, and after the 12-week program. The study aimed to provide preliminary evidence on whether, and how, these two group interventions affect alexithymia and related outcomes.