Research project | Alexinomia: When it’s impossible to say Names

Logo Alexinomia Project

Some people can’t address others by name. Greeting a friend with “Hello Lukas” or calling out “Stefanie!” to draw attention to yourself doesn’t work. Those affected report anxiety and physical and emotional reactions when trying to say names. These symptoms lead to avoidance behaviour, which is typical of phobias and other fears. For many years, some sufferers have not addressed certain or even all people around them by name. These difficulties seem to increase the closer the relationship is, which suggests the influence of learnt attachment patterns.

We call this still largely undocumented phenomenon alexinomy. Alexinomy means “no words for names”. Our research aims to describe and better understand alexinomy:

  • What is the subjective experience, who is affected by it, why has it not been known before?
  • What impact does alexinomia have on the people affected and their environment?
  • How many people are affected, how can alexinomia be diagnosed, what are the neuronal foundations?

Further information: www.alexinomie.org

Project team

Project lead: 
Ass.-Prof. Thomas Ditye, MRes, PhD (thomas.ditye@sfu.ac.at)

Project members:
Alexis Bergert, BSc; Ricarda Freitag; Sara Jakaj, BSc; Mara Prisca, BSc; Univ.-Ass. Natalie Rodax, MSc; Anikó Szekó, BSc; Univ.-Prof. Dr. Peter Walla; Mag. Lisa Welleschik

Method

Qualitative methods in the form of interviews and online analyses are used for the explorative investigation of alexinomy and, building on this, a series of quantitative methods (psychometric methods, computer experiments and neurophysiological methods) are used.

Research question(s) and hypotheses
  1. What is alexinomia: subjective experience; effects on everyday life; avoidance and compensation strategies; vulnerability factors
  2. Prevalence: Who is affected and how many people are affected
  3. Measurement and diagnostics: Development of a method for measuring alexinomia and the severity of symptoms
  4. Neuronal basis: Investigation of the neurophysiological basis of alexinomia with EEG
  5. Connection of alexinomia with social anxiety, identity and attachment
  6. Effects on relatives

Scientific and practical relevance

The research has a high degree of novelty. It is a phenomenon that has not yet been scientifically documented. There are no empirical studies to date.

Project duration

01/2021 – 12/2027

Publications

If you are interested in the research project, please contact thomas.ditye@sfu.ac.at

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