Abstract
Objective
Psychometric properties of 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) have been widely analyzed, but the validity and psychometric qualities of the TAS-20 in populations with personality disorders are still poorly understood. The aim of the current study was to analyze the factor structure and validity of TAS-20.
Method
Data were extracted from a multisite clinical sample of patients with personality disorders or personality-related problems referred to specialist mental health services in Norway.
Results
With one exception, TAS-20 revealed acceptable psychometric properties. Variations of TAS-20 are associated with other clinical measures of distress and severity. Anxiety disorders, borderline, and avoidant personality disorders were all highly related to levels of TAS-20. The TAS-20 also revealed unique variance not accounted for by subjective distress, symptom disorders, or dysfunctional personality traits.
Conclusion
The TAS-20 is a relevant instrument for use in assessment of personality disorders, but one subscale should be improved.