Relationship Between Alexithymic Characteristics of Children with Congenital Heart Disease and Their Attitudes Towards Their Disease

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Background: Children born with heart disease are expected to exhibit certain behaviors and attempt to cope with their condition due to their disease. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the alexithymic characteristics of children diagnosed with congenital heart disease (CHD) and their attitudes towards their illness. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with children aged 11 - 14 years who have CHD. The effects of children's alexithymic characteristics on their attitudes towards their own diseases were examined by regression analysis of the data. A stratified sampling method was used in sample selection. Analyses were performed using the SPSS program and evaluated at a significance level of 0.05. Results: A negative correlation was determined between the mean score of the Alexithymia Scale for Children (ASC) and the mean score of the Attitudes Towards Illness Scale for Children (CATIS) (R = -0.48, R² = 0.23, P < 0.05). Accordingly, alexithymia explains 23% of the attitudes of children towards their illnesses. Conclusions: It is necessary to conduct more detailed studies to address the reflections of alexithymic behaviors on the disease process of children.