‘Struggling to appear normal’: a moderated mediational analysis of empathy and camouflaging in the association between autistic traits and depressive symptoms

Lu, Minghui; Pang, Feifan; Peng, Tianyu; Liu, Yong; Wang, Rong

doi:10.1080/20473869.2023.2181273

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 72 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…By integrating these theoretical models, the present study extends beyond the scope of previous research by examining not only the mediating role of social camouflaging (Lu et al, 2023) but also incorporating self-related factors to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how autistic traits relates to depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of considering interpersonal strategies (e.g., social camouflaging) and self-related factors (e.g., self-concept clarity, self-disgust) in the link between autistic traits and depressive symptoms.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Autistic traits and depressive symptoms in the general population: Mediating roles of social camouflaging, self-concept clarity, and self-disgust

Kong,

Xie,

Dou

et al. 2024

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Autistic traits is frequently associated with depressive symptoms. However, the underlying mechanisms involved in this association still need further examinations. With the integration of multiple theories (i.e., diathesis-stress models, the dynamic interactionist model of vulnerability, the dual vulnerability model, the disconnect theory, and the unified model of depression), the present study investigated two potential mediation chain path (i.e., social camouflaging - self-concept clarity, and social camouflaging - self-disgust) of the association between autistic traits and depressive symptoms. Four hundred sixty-three undergraduate and graduate students completed the online survey measuring autistic traits, depressive symptoms, social camouflaging, self-concept clarity, and self-disgust. Results showed that autistic traits predicted increased depressive symptoms directly and indirectly in the general population. Specifically, autistic traits induced depressive symptoms through the mediation chain path of social camouflaging to self-concept clarity as well as the mediation chain path of social camouflaging to self-disgust, separately. These findings demonstrate how autistic traits while social camouflaging contribute to depressive symptoms from self aspects and emphasize the complexities of the mental health consequences from camouflaging autistic traits.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…Notably, individuals engaging in social camouflaging are more likely to report depression (Bernardin et al, 2021;Cage et al, 2018;Hull et al, 2021). Another study found that camouflaging is a key contributor to the positive association between autistic traits and depressive symptoms (Lu et al, 2023).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Autistic traits and depressive symptoms in the general population: Mediating roles of social camouflaging, self-concept clarity, and self-disgust

Kong,

Xie,

Dou

et al. 2024

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

How are autistic traits associated with mental health among Chinese university students: An examination of the mediating role of alexithymia and social camouflaging

Xie,

Li,

Lin

et al. 2024

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background Autistic traits are distributed along a continuum ranging from clinical presentations to the general population, being associated with high-risk of mental health problems. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Given that alexithymia, which contributes to emotional difficulties related to autistic traits, along with the utilization of social camouflaging as a potential mechanism for coping, may exacerbate mental health issues. This study aimed to examine the mediating effects of alexithymia and social camouflaging in the associations between autistic traits and symptoms of anxiety/depression. Methods A total of 1085 Chinese university students (age: 21.8 ± 2.7 years, 51.9% males) were recruited through an online survey which measured autistic traits, mental health problems (anxiety and depression), alexithymia, and social camouflaging. The mediator effects of alexithymia and social camouflaging on the associations of autistic traits with anxiety and depression were conducted, and two serial mediation models were verified by regression analysis. Results The findings revealed a significant positive association of autistic traits with symptoms of anxiety and depression. The manifestation of anxiety symptoms was found to be influenced by autistic traits, mediated sequentially by alexithymia and social camouflaging (β = 0.022, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.011–0.035). Differently, the depression symptoms were linked to autistic traits solely through alexithymia (β = 0.499, 95%CI: 0.423–0.578). According to the subgroup analysis, the results within the female group were consistent with the observations made in the overall sample. However, in the male group, the statistical significance of the mediating effect of social camouflaging between autistic traits and anxiety was no longer evident. Limitations This study can only identify associations between autistic traits and social camouflaging, not causal relationships. Neuroimaging research is necessary to unravel the neural mechanisms that underlie these associations. Conclusions Our findings found that alexithymia and social camouflaging play a serial mediating role in the relationship between autistic traits and mental health problems in Chinese university students, especially anxiety. The associations between autistic traits and mental health issues may vary between males and females. This study highlights a significant pathway that has the potential to improve mental well-being in individuals exhibiting high autistic traits.

show abstract

‘Struggling to appear normal’: a moderated mediational analysis of empathy and camouflaging in the association between autistic traits and depressive symptoms

Cited by 2 publications

References 72 publications

Autistic traits and depressive symptoms in the general population: Mediating roles of social camouflaging, self-concept clarity, and self-disgust

Autistic traits and depressive symptoms in the general population: Mediating roles of social camouflaging, self-concept clarity, and self-disgust

How are autistic traits associated with mental health among Chinese university students: An examination of the mediating role of alexithymia and social camouflaging

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About