About

Foreword:‍

Research on alexithymia started in the early 1970’s, originating  from clinical observations that certain psychosomatic conditions were associated with recurrent characteristics—specifically, difficulties in identifying and expressing emotions. Since then, the field has expanded significantly, particularly in the last decade, joining scholars from different disciplines, mainly in the social, neural, and medical sciences.

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Despite the growing body of literature, alexithymia researchers seldom have opportunities to collaborate, as they typically attend different conferences in their various fields, including clinical/health psychology, neuroscience, psychiatry, and behavioral science, among others. There is also a lack of cross-lab studies to ensure the replicability of findings or of randomized clinical trials to assess the efficiency of therapeutic interventions. Establishing a collaborative network would address several key challenges, including fragmented knowledge, inconsistencies in measurement standards, and difficulties in securing funding for interdisciplinary research. A structured research network would foster regular networking, promote standardization, and enhance opportunities for large-scale, high-quality studies in the field of alexithymia.

The Alexithymia Research International Alliance (ARIA) was officially founded in 2024 with the overall goal of disseminating knowledge about alexithymia.

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More specifically, the association has the following mission and goals:

1. Facilitating contacts between researchers involved in alexithymia:

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Annual meeting

The annual ARIA meeting typically takes place in spring and lasts for 2-3 days. It welcomes researchers from all fields interested in alexithymia. The meeting provides a key platform where scientists from around the world can meet, interact, and get acquainted with the latest developments in the field. It is a unique opportunity to:

• Initiate and sustain collaborations (joint PhDs, grant proposals, joint special issues or books, …)
• Stay informed about the latest research developments in the field
• Attend talks by leading international keynote speakers
• Identify and connect with emerging talent (future PhD students, future postdocs)
• Provide young researchers with a supportive platform to present and discuss their work

Colloquia

Throughout the year, ARIA members can present their latest research in a very supportive environment through regularly scheduled online sessions

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Website

The website serves as a central hub for information about ARIA, its various activities, and resources designed to facilitate collaboration amongst alexithymia researchers. While some content is publicly accessible for anyone interested in the topic, certain materials are exclusively available to ARIA members. For details on membership and access, please visit [How to Become a Member of ARIA].

2. Providing incentives for researchers at different stages in their career

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ARIA members are provided with access to resources that can increase their research potential and collaborative opportunities, including:

• A data repository where shared data can be re-analyzed for new research purposes
• Access to measurement tools and their validation in various languages
• Concrete opportunities for collaborative projects across labs
• Information about
  • potential internships across labs
  • special issues or edited books with an established network of researchers
  • postings of open positions at member’s institutions
  • updates on new research in the field of alexithymia

3. Providing Membership at minimal cost with many benefits

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ARIA provides membership at a minimal cost, while providing numerous benefits to support researchers at all career stages:​

• Free membership for Master's and PhD students (validated by a mentor).
• Low-cost membership for Early Career Members (40€)

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Membership includes:

• Reduced registration fees for the Annual Meeting
• Exclusive access to member-only colloquia and discussions
• Access to a shared data repository
• Updates on job opportunities and internships from participating labs

4. Communicating research findings and translating them into concrete recommendations for the public

ARIA is committed to bridging the gap between research and real-world impact by ensuring that scientific discoveries on alexithymia are effectively communicated and applied. This includes:

• Providing and disseminating scientific findings on alexithymia to the public and the healthcare sector
• Collaborating with universities, research institutions, and medical organizations to promote and integrate research findings into practice
• Engaging in public outreach through educational resources, workshops, and initiatives aimed at raising awareness
• Developing treatment and policy recommendations to support individuals with alexithymia and guide healthcare professionals.