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Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 3/2019

08-11-2018 | Original Paper

Social Connectedness and Loneliness Mediate the Association Between Autistic Traits and Internalizing Symptoms Among Young Adults

Auteurs: Lauren VanderBroek Stice, Justin A. Lavner

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders | Uitgave 3/2019

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Abstract

Adults with autism and subclinical autistic traits report greater internalizing problems than their peers, but the psychological processes underlying these associations are not well understood. The current study used structural equation modeling to examine whether social experiences (social connectedness and loneliness) mediate the link between autistic traits and internalizing symptoms among 821 college students. Those with higher total Broader Autism Phenotype Questionnaire (BAPQ) scores reported lower social connectedness, which related to greater loneliness, and, in turn, greater anxious and depressive symptoms. Relations with specific BAPQ subscales were also examined. Results indicate that, among young adults, stronger subclinical autistic traits relate to greater mental health and social difficulties and point to the important role of social experiences in mental health adjustment.
Voetnoten
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We also examined the Social Connectedness latent variable and Loneliness as simultaneous mediators. When considered in the same model, direct effects between BAPQ Total and both mediators remained significant, as did the direct effect between Loneliness and Internalizing Symptoms. However, Social Connectedness did not have a significant direct relation with Internalizing Symptoms. This pattern of findings held for both sexes and provided additional statistical justification for the sequential mediation analyses. The results of these analyses can be provided upon request.
 
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Metagegevens
Titel
Social Connectedness and Loneliness Mediate the Association Between Autistic Traits and Internalizing Symptoms Among Young Adults
Auteurs
Lauren VanderBroek Stice
Justin A. Lavner
Publicatiedatum
08-11-2018
Uitgeverij
Springer US
Gepubliceerd in
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders / Uitgave 3/2019
Print ISSN: 0162-3257
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-3432
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3812-6

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