Alcohol and tobacco use in men: the role of alexithymia and externally oriented thinking style

ABSTRACTBackground: A high prevalence of alexithymia has been consistently reported in alcohol- and drug-dependent populations. However, less is known about the role of alexithymia, and its individual dimensions on substance use in healthier populations. Objectives: To examine how different alexithymia dimensions associate with substance use, while controlling for confounding factors. Methods: In the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, we analyzed a sample of 994 men. We assessed alexithymia levels (difficulty identifying feelings, difficulty describing feelings and externally oriented thinking (EOT) style), self-reported quantity and frequency of alcohol use in two different time points during and after their partners’ pregnancy, as well as cigarette smoking status. Age, education level, and anxiety scores were used as control variables. Results: Men scoring high on EOT style drank more alcohol per occasion, compared to low scorers (Cohen’s d = 0.43, p < 0.001 during pregnancy, and Cohen’s d = 0.3, p = 0.012 a...