Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20)
Assessing difficulty identifying and describing emotions
Based on Bagby, Parker & Taylor (1994), the TAS-20 is a 20-item self-report measure of alexithymia across three dimensions: Difficulty Identifying Feelings (DIF), Difficulty Describing Feelings (DDF), and Externally-Oriented Thinking (EOT). Total score range: 20-100. Cut-off ≥61 indicates high alexithymia. Takes approximately 5 minutes.
What Is Alexithymia?
Alexithymia, derived from Greek (a- = lack, lexis = word, thymos = emotion), literally means "lack of words for emotions." It is a personality construct characterized by difficulty identifying, describing, and processing one's own emotional experiences.
About the TAS-20
The Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), developed by Bagby, Parker & Taylor (1994), is the most widely used self-report measure of alexithymia. The 20 items assess three core dimensions on a 5-point Likert scale (1=Strongly Disagree to 5=Strongly Agree):
Three Subscales:
- Difficulty Identifying Feelings (DIF): Items 1, 3, 6, 7, 9, 13, 14 — Trouble recognizing and naming emotions
- Difficulty Describing Feelings (DDF): Items 2, 4, 11, 12, 17 — Trouble communicating feelings to others
- Externally-Oriented Thinking (EOT): Items 5, 8, 10, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20 — Concrete, externally-focused cognitive style
- Internal consistency: α = 0.81 (DIF), 0.79 (DDF), 0.72 (EOT)
- Test-retest reliability: r = 0.82 (3-week interval)
- Three-factor structure confirmed across clinical and non-clinical populations
Scoring & Interpretation
Items 4, 5, 10, 18, 19 are reverse-scored. Total scores range from 20-100. The clinical cutoff is typically 61; scores >=61 suggest possible alexithymia. Higher scores on each subscale indicate greater difficulty in that domain.
Disclaimer
The TAS-20 is a screening instrument and does not constitute a clinical diagnosis. A qualified mental health professional should conduct a comprehensive evaluation for diagnostic purposes.
Scoring Guide
The TAS-20 consists of 20 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1=Strongly Disagree to 5=Strongly Agree). Items 4, 5, 10, 18, 19 are reverse-scored. Three subscales: DIF (Difficulty Identifying Feelings): items 1,3,6,7,9,13,14; DDF (Difficulty Describing Feelings): items 2,4,11,12,17; EOT (Externally-Oriented Thinking): items 5,8,10,15,16,18,19,20. Total score: 20-100. Clinical cut-offs: ≤51 = non-alexithymia, 52-60 = possible alexithymia, ≥61 = high alexithymia (Bagby, Parker & Taylor, 1994). Note: Screening tool only, not a clinical diagnosis.
Result Interpretation
After completing the 20 questions, you'll receive an immediate, detailed report with:
- Your score — calculated automatically based on your responses
- Score interpretation — what your score means in practical terms
- Dimension breakdown — separate scores for each sub-scale
- Context — how your results compare to general population norms where available
All results are displayed instantly on screen. No account, email, or login required.