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Alexithymia : “Bridging the Gap Between Emotion and Expression”
Origin
First studied in clinical psychology, alexithymia refers to difficulty in identifying, describing, and expressing emotions. In the workplace, it affects communication, empathy, and collaboration. Recognizing alexithymia helps HR design interventions for emotional awareness and healthier teamwork.
Associated Theories
* Emotional Intelligence (Goleman): Emotional awareness and regulation are essential for effective leadership.
* Affective Events Theory: Workplace emotions strongly shape job performance, satisfaction, and commitment.
* Social Learning Theory (Bandura): Employees can improve emotional recognition and expression through observation, modeling, and feedback.
How HR Can Use This
* Leadership Development: Train leaders to build empathy and emotional awareness.
* Team Building: Reduce misunderstandings by encouraging safe emotional sharing.
* Performance Management: Distinguish between underperformance due to skill gaps and those tied to emotional communication barriers.
* Well-being Programs: Offer coaching, mentoring, or counseling for employees who struggle with alexithymia traits.
* Culture Building: Promote psychological safety so employees feel comfortable expressing emotions openly.
