QAQ-G2, Introduction and Factor Targets

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689050948467468183.post-88416073435148002582007-02-26T18:58:00.000-08:002008-04-19T03:10:20.295-07:00QAQ-G2, Introduction and Factor Targets<p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style=""><br /><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;">__________________________________________________________________<br /></p><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />ONLINE ALEXITHYMIA QUESTIONNAIRE - G2</span><br /><br /><br /><form name="myform"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="5"><b>Instructions:</b> Answer the following questions as spontaneously as possible. If you get stuck on a question, leave it out and continue with the next. Each question can have one of 5 possible answers.<br />These are:</td></tr> <tr> <td align="center" width="20%"><b>Strongly Agree</b></td> <td align="center" width="20%"><b>Agree</b></td> <td align="center" width="20%"><b>Undecided</b></td> <td align="center" width="20%"><b>Disagree</b></td> <td align="center" width="20%"><b>Strongly Disagree</b></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">At the end of the questionnaire, press the evaluation button. </td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"> <hr /> </td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">1. - When asked which emotion I'm feeling, I frequently don't know the answer. </td></tr><tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q1" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q1" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q1" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q1" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q1" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">2. - I'm unsure of which words to use when describing my feelings. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q2" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q2" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q2" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q2" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q2" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">3. - I prefer to find out the emotional intricacies of my problems rather than just describe them in terms of practical facts. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q3" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q3" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q3" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q3" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q3" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">4. - When other people are hurt or upset, I have difficulty imagining what they are feeling. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q4" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q4" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q4" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q4" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q4" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">5. - People tell me to describe my feelings more, as if I haven't elaborated enough. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q5" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q5" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q5" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q5" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q5" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">6. - Sex as a recreational activity seems kinda pointless. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q6" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q6" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q6" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q6" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q6" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">7. - I can describe my emotions with ease. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q7" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q7" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q7" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q7" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q7" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">8. - You cannot functionally live your life without being aware of your deepest emotions. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q8" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q8" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q8" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q8" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q8" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">9. - People sometimes get upset with me, and I can't imagine why </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q9" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q9" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q9" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q9" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q9" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">10. - People tell me I don't listen to their feelings properly, when in fact I'm doing my utmost to understand what they're saying! </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q10" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q10" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q10" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q10" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q10" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">11. - When I am upset I find it difficult to identify the feelings causing it. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q11" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q11" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q11" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q11" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q11" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">12. - Describing the feelings I have about other people is often difficult. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q12" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q12" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q12" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q12" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q12" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">13. - I prefer doing physical activities with friends rather than discussing each others’ emotional experiences. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q13" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q13" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q13" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q13" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q13" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">14. - I am not much of a daydreamer. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q14" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q14" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q14" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q14" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q14" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">15. - I don't like people's constant assumptions that I should understand or guess their needs... its as if they want me to read their minds! </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q15" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q15" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q15" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q15" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q15" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">16. - I sometimes experience confusing sensations in my body. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q16" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q16" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q16" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q16" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q16" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">17. - For me sex is more a functional activity than it is an emotional one </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q17" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q17" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q17" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q17" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q17" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">18. - Some people have told me I am cold or unresponsive to their needs. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q18" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q18" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q18" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q18" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q18" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">19. - I don't dream frequently, and when I do the dreams usually seem rather boring. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q19" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q19" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q19" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q19" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q19" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">20. - Friends have indicated, in one way or another, that I'm more in my head than in my heart. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q20" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q20" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q20" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q20" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q20" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">21. - I can't identify feelings that I vaguely sense are going on inside of me. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q21" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q21" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q21" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q21" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q21" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">22. - I often ask other people what they would feel if in my personal situation (any situation), as this better helps me understand what to do. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q22" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q22" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q22" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q22" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q22" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">23. - I find it useful to ponder on my feelings as much as the practical issues when setting my priorities. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q23" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q23" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q23" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q23" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q23" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">24. - I use my imagination mainly for practical means, eg., like how to work out a problem or construct a useful idea or object. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q24" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q24" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q24" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q24" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q24" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">25. - I often feel incompetent, awkward, uncomfortable, or occasionally physically sick in sexual situations. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q25" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q25" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q25" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q25" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q25" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">26. - When involved in difficult or turbulent relationships, I sometimes develop confusing physical symptoms. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q26" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q26" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q26" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q26" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q26" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">27. - I tend to rely on other people for interpreting the emotional details of personal/social events. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q27" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q27" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q27" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q27" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q27" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">28. - I don’t like conversations in which more time is spent discussing emotional matters than daily activities because it detracts from my enjoyment. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q28" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q28" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q28" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q28" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q28" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">29. - I often get confused about what the other person wants from a sexual relationship. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q29" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q29" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q29" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q29" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q29" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">30. - People I've been in close relationships with have complained that I neglect them emotionally. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q30" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q30" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q30" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q30" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q30" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">31. - I like it when someone describes the feelings they experience under circumstances similar to my own, because this helps me see what my own feelings might be. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q31" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q31" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q31" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q31" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q31" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">32. - My imagination is often spontaneous, unpredictable and involuntary. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q32" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q32" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q32" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q32" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q32" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">33. - When helping others I prefer to assist with physical tasks rather than offering counsel about their feelings. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q33" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q33" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q33" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q33" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q33" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">34. - I have puzzling physical sensations that even friends/aquaintances/others don't understand. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q34" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q34" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q34" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q34" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q34" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">35. - I get in a muddle when I try to describe how I feel about an important event. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q35" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q35" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q35" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q35" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q35" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">36. - My imagination is usually not spontaneous and surprising, but rather used/employed in a more controlled fashion. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q36" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q36" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q36" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q36" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q36" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5">37. - I make decisions based on principles rather than gut feelings. </td></tr> <tr> <td align="center"><input name="Q37" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q37" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q37" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q37" type="radio"></td> <td align="center"><input name="Q37" type="radio"></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="5" align="center"><input onclick="addResults()" value="Evaluate test results" type="button"> </td></tr></tbody></table></form>..........................[if the evaluate button does not work on your PC, take the test <b><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:18;color:blue;" >“<a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.msnusers.com/ALEXITHYMIAEXCHANGE/Documents/Online%20Alexithymia%20Questionnaire%20G2.htm">HERE</a>”</span></b><span style="">].....................</span><p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="">Scoring for all questions: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="">Strongly Agree | Agree | Undecided | Disagree | Strongly Disagree<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span>............(5)...............<span style=""> </span>(4)<span style=""> ............ </span>(3).............<span style=""> </span>(2)................<span style=""> </span>(1)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="">Excepting questions 3, 7, 8, 23, and 32 which are inversely scored: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="">Strongly Agree | Agree | Undecided | Disagree | Strongly Disagree<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span>............(1)...............<span style=""> </span>(2)..............<span style=""> </span>(3)............<span style=""> </span>(4)................<span style=""> </span>(5)</span></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="">Maximum possible score is 185. This test uses cutoff scoring: equal to or less than 94 = non-alexithymia, equal to or greater than 113 = alexithymia. Scores of 95 to 112 = possible alexithymia. Forcing a respondent to give an answer to each question may cause frustration because it is quite possible that a particular question just doesn't apply, thus disrupting the flow of the process. For this reason, unanswered questions are defaulted as "undecided" and given a medium score of 3.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="">**********************************************<o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br />Introduction and Factor Targets</span><br /><p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="">The online alexithymia questionnaire was developed in 2005 in response to perceived shortcomings of the previous alexithymia questionnaires such as the Bermond-Vorst or TAS-20. Three problems presented, namely the poorly targeted questions regarding constricted imaginal processes; secondly, the confusion experienced by the alexithymic subject when asked to recognise if they do, or don't, experience the normal range of feelings; and thirdly the unavailability of testing instruments to the general public. The first of these perceived shortcomings concerns the very nature of imagining, which needed elaboration before questions could be economically targeted to the deficit in question. Discussions with alexithymic individuals revealed that many believed their imaginal capacity was intact, leading to positive questionnaire responses regarding their ability to daydream, imagine, or fantasise. With the introduction of Edward Casey's distinction of the controlledness or spontaneity of a given act of imagining it became evident that commentaries regarding the absence of alexithymic imagining were referring to a deficit in 'spontaneous' or 'unconscious' imagining, and not to controlled imagining. With this knowledge the OAQ questions were written to reflect this distinction, for example;<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">"I use my imagination mainly for practical means, eg., like how to work out a problem or construct a useful idea or object,"</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">"My imagination is usually not spontaneous and surprising, but rather used/employed in a more controlled fashion,"</span> or inversely scored, <span style="font-style: italic;">"My imagination is often spontaneous, unpredictable and involuntary."</span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span>The second shortcoming related to the older wording of questions targeting difficulty identifying feelings and difficulty describing feelings. Whilst these factors are integral features of the alexithymia construct, the very nature of these deficits in the alexithymic individual may obscure recognition of their relative presence or absence as requested by the questionnaires. With this in mind we sought to alter or delete some of the overly direct questions, e.g. questions like <i>“I don’t know why I feel angry”</i> were not repeated, and wordings such as <i>“I have feelings that I can't properly identify”</i> were replaced with a less assured, <i>“I can't identify feelings that I vaguely sense are going on inside of me”</i>. We also included a further set of questions asking what 'other people say' about the alexithymic individual’s emotional communication, and reduced the number of items which presume an introspective ability of the individual to be aware of their deficits in emotional communication eg. we added<i> “people tell me I don't listen to their feelings properly, when in fact I'm doing my utmost to understand what they saying!” </i>or <i>“I don't like people's constant assumptions that I should understand or guess their needs... its as if they want me to read their minds!”</i> and <i>“people tell me to describe my feelings more, as if I haven't elaborated enough”</i>.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span>Thirdly, we wanted to create an accessible, free guide for general practitioners and lay public for the purpose of gaining amateur assessment which might indicate the need for more thoroughgoing clinical assessment. At the moment recognised alexithymia questionnaires are expensive and difficult to acquire without clinical degrees in relevant disciplines, and it is hoped that the OAQ might fill the gap. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span>Further features of the OAQ include two subcategories; 'vicarious interpretation of feelings' and 'sexual difficulties and disinterest' which target interpersonal behaviours co-extensive with traits of alexithymia. Of the second of these, extensive discussions with alexithymic adults revealed common experiences of difficulties with sexual relations and activities, with descriptions of disturbing bodily sensations (associated with affect) and personal confusion regarding the sexual expectations and feelings of others. Although the individual's sexual libido may be functioning on a healthy level, the 'pseudophobia' (Krystal 1988) surrounding the <span style="font-style: italic;">emotional</span> component of sexual intimacy is manifest as a reluctance to indulge in sexual act, or as a preference for sexual encounters involving low emotional intensity. <o:p></o:p></span></p><span style=""><span style=""> </span>In May 2007 the Online Alexithymia Questionnaire underwent a revision of nine questions-<span style=""> </span>2, 7, 11, 12, 13, 16, 23, 28, 33 having similarities to, or reproductions of, wordings in the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), with duplications being replaced by more original phrasing. The modified questions have been approved by the authors of the copyrighted Toronto alexithymia scale for use in the OAQ-G2. The resultant changes to the OAQ have created a second generation questionnaire (G2) reflecting its ongoing evolution as independent from other alexithymia measures.<br /><br /><br /><span style=""> </span></span><p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=""><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">OAQ – G2 target-factors:</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;"> F1 - Difficulty Identifying Feelings</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-When asked which emotion I'm feeling, I frequently don't know the answer.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-I have puzzling physical sensations that even friends/acquaintances/others don't understand.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-When I am upset I find it difficult to identify the feelings causing it. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-I sometimes experience confusing sensations in my body<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-I can't identify feelings that I vaguely sense are going on inside of me.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-When involved in difficult or turbulent relationships, I sometimes develop confusing physical symptoms.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style=""> <span style="font-weight: bold;">F2- Difficulty Describing Feelings</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-I’m unsure of which words to use when describing my feelings.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-I can describe my emotions with ease.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-Describing the feelings I have about other people is often difficult.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-I get in a muddle when I try to describe how I feel about an important event.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">F2b- Vicarious interpretation of feelings</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-I often ask other people what they would feel if in my personal situation (any situation), as this better helps me understand what to do.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-I tend to rely on other people for interpreting the emotional details of personal/social events.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-I like it when someone describes the feelings they experience under circumstances similar to my own, because this helps me see what my own feelings might be.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 3pt; text-align: justify;"><span style=""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">F3- Externally-Oriented Thinking</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-I prefer to find out the emotional intricacies of my problems rather than just describe them in terms of practical facts. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-You cannot functionally live your life without being aware of your deepest emotions.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-I prefer doing physical activities with friends rather than discussing each others’ emotional experiences.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-When helping others I prefer to assist with physical tasks rather than offering counsel about their feelings.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">- I find it useful to ponder on my feelings as much as the practical issues when setting my priorities. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-I don’t like conversations in which more time is spent discussing emotional matters than daily activities because it detracts from my enjoyment.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-I make decisions based on principles rather than gut feelings. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">F4- Restricted Imaginative Processes</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-When other people are hurt or upset, I have difficulty imagining what they are feeling.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-People sometimes get upset with me, and I can't imagine why.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-I am not much of a daydreamer. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-I don't dream frequently, and when I do the dreams usually seem rather boring.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-I use my imagination mainly for practical means, eg., like how to work out a problem or construct a useful idea or object. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-My imagination is usually not spontaneous and surprising, but rather used/employed in a more controlled fashion. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-My imagination is often spontaneous, unpredictable and involuntary.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">F5- Problematic Interpersonal Relationships</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-People tell me to describe my feelings more, as if I haven't elaborated enough. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-People tell me I don't listen to their feelings properly, when in fact I'm doing my utmost to understand what they saying! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-I don't like people's constant assumptions that I should understand or guess their needs... its as if they want me to read their minds!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-Friends have indicated, in one way or another, that I'm more in my head than in my heart.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-Some people have told me I am cold or unresponsive to their needs. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-People I've been in close relationships with have complained that I neglect them emotionally.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 3pt; text-align: justify;"><span style=""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">F5b- Sexual difficulties and disinterest</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-Sex as a recreational activity seems pointless.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-I often get confused about what the other person wants from a sexual relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-I often feel incompetent, awkward, uncomfortable, or occasionally physically sick in sexual situations.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="">-For me sex is more a functional activity than it is an emotional one.<br /><br />____________________________________________________________________<br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="">This questionnaire is a second generation (G-2) version which may be updated if future validation studies indicate areas for improvement, in which case 'G-3' (etc.) will be applied. The OAQ - G2 has proven a popular revision and is currently being translated into several languages. Clinical application, and validation trials are presently underway, and the results of these studies will be collated and published in due course. The Online Alexithymia Questionnaire G-2 is copyrighted (c)-2007 and may be used online by individuals without permission, or reproduced in professional settings or for study/research purposes for free with permission from the author.<span style=""> If prospective parties wish to trial the OAQ - G2 please contact the author (Jason Thompson) at </span></span><span style=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="mailto:Alexithymia@bigpond.com">Alexithymia@bigpond.com</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><br /></span></p><br /><span style=""><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">If you would like to talk about alexithymia please click here: <span style=""> </span><b><span style="color:blue;"><a href="http://groups.msn.com/ALEXITHYMIAEXCHANGE/_whatsnew.msnw">ALEXITHYMIA EXCHANGE FORUM</a></span></b></span></span> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www2.clustrmaps.com/counter/maps.php?url=http://oaq.blogspot.com/" id="clustrMapsLink"><img src="http://www2.clustrmaps.com/counter/index2.php?url=http://oaq.blogspot.com/" style="border: 1px solid ;" alt="Locations of visitors to this page" title="Locations of visitors to this page" id="clustrMapsImg" onerror="this.onError=null; this.src='http://clustrmaps.com/images/clustrmaps-back-soon.jpg'; document.getElementById('clustrMapsLink').href='http://clustrmaps.com'" /><br /></a><br /><br /></p><p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"></p><center><img src="http://www.statepop.com/oaqblogspot/-v126-Prom_dress.jpg" alt="Prom dress" border="0" /><a href="http://www.promdresses2007.net/"><br /></a></center><br /><span style=""><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span><p></p> <p class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Ganymedenoreply@blogger.com