Alexithymia and reaching group consensus

• Published in: Cognition and emotion 2021-05, Vol.35 (3), p.510-523
• Main Authors: Gvirts, Hila Zahava, Dery, Lihi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alexithymia; Cognitive ability; collective behaviour; Communication skills; consensus; Emotions; group decisions; Human nature
• ISSN: 0269-9931; 1464-0600
• DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2019.1675600

One characteristic of human nature is the ability to align our behavior with others. Previous research has linked poor communication skills to alexithymia. This may suggest the possibility that individuals with high alexithymia do not adhere to the principles of social alignment. One form of cognitive alignment is consensus with a group. So far, little research attention has been given to the possible link between alexithymia and this form of cognitive social alignment. In this study, we address this gap by investigating the association between consensus-reaching abilities and alexithymia. A sample comprising of 122 participants completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and then played a specially designed game called "Consensus under a deadline". In each game, a participant played with either seven bots designed to act rationally and always seek a consensus, or with seven other participants. The participants were unaware who they were playing with. The results of the study confirm the link between alexithymia and impaired cognitive social alignment, showing that the alexithymia cognitive component (EOT) is associated with a deficit in reaching a consensus with humans (that sometimes act irrationally). However, this association was not evident when group members were bots (that always act rationally).