Alexithymic traits predict the speed of classifying non-literal statements using nonverbal cues

There is increasing interest in exploring the impact of alexithymia on interpersonal interactions. This study explored relationships between alexithymia and the complex mentalising skills needed to infer how a speaker intended a non-literal statement to be understood. A sample of university students (N = 70) viewed videotaped exchanges and attempted to classify remarks as literal, sarcastic, jocular, or white lies. Alexithymia was not associated with less consistent labelling of statement types. However, after accounting for variance due to verbal intelligence and sex, we found that those who reported more difficulties identifying their own feelings needed more time to distinguish between different statement types on the basis of the speaker's nonverbal cues. These findings highlight the value of examining response times, and of accounting for individual differences in specific alexithymic traits, when assessing social perception and cognition.