Psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Alexithymia Questionnaire for Children (AQC) in children and adolescents

ABSTRACT This study had the aim to explore the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Alexithymia Questionnaire for Children (AQC) that measures the three dimensions of alexithymia (DIF, difficulty identifying feelings; DDF, difficulty describing feelings; EOT, externally oriented thinking). 817 healthy children or adolescents (407 girls, 410 boys) with a mean age of 12.10 years (SD = 1.91, range from 9 to 16 years) were included in the study. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were done exploring seven-factor models and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were calculated to rate reliability. The results showed that the one-factor model without EOT item and the two-factor model (DIF, DDF) provided acceptable fits and had significant advantages over the three-factor model (DIF, DDF, EOT). Based on the χ2 differences, the two-factor model has been preferred. Low alpha coefficients for the EOT and DDF subscale were reported (.55 and .66, respectively). Satisfactory Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the AQC or AQC without the EOT items were also found, the values were .83 and .79, respectively. Alexithymia can be reliably assessed in adolescents using the AQC without the 8 items rating the EOT dimension.