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Field SL, Williams MO, Jones CRG, Fox JRE. A meta-ethnography of autistic people's experiences of social camouflaging and its relationship with mental health. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:1328-1343. [PMID: 38197398 PMCID: PMC11134975 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231223036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Some autistic people describe trying to hide autistic behaviour and seem more neurotypical. Researchers called this 'social camouflaging' and have linked it with mental health difficulties. We used a step-by-step approach to identify research where autistic people talk about social camouflaging to explore the relationship between camouflaging and poor mental health. Thirteen studies were combined. The results describe how society negatively impacts autistic people's mental health, and camouflaging is a way to try and cope with this. Many autistic people find their camouflaging strategies have accidental negative consequences which also affect their mental health. Strategies which seemed 'successful' involved a lot of self-monitoring, were very mentally demanding or were very habitual and seemed to have more of an effect on mental health. This might be important for clinicians who support autistic people with mental health difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - John R E Fox
- Cardiff University, UK
- University of Liverpool, UK
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2
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Lundin Remnélius K, Bölte S. Camouflaging in Autism: Age Effects and Cross-Cultural Validation of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q). J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:1749-1764. [PMID: 36757540 PMCID: PMC11136743 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05909-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Given that camouflaging has been suggested to contribute to delayed diagnosis and mental health problems among autistic people, validated measures of the construct are needed. This study describes the psychometric evaluation of the Swedish adaptation of the self-reported Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) in autistic (n = 100) and general population (n = 539) samples aged 10 to 83 years. Analyses indicated good-to-excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Construct validity was supported by autistic participants scoring higher than non-autistic, and autistic females scoring higher than autistic males on the measure. Also as expected, camouflaging was associated with theoretically linked traits, including autistic behaviors and depressive symptoms. On the other hand, the factor structure of the original CAT-Q did not provide a good fit in the Swedish data set, and validity issues were found, particularly in children younger than 15 years, warranting further investigation of the construct validity of the scale. Different age trajectories were observed, where camouflaging behaviors decreased during adulthood in non-autistic people but remained at an elevated level among autistic people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Lundin Remnélius
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Gävlegatan 22B, 113 30, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Sven Bölte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Gävlegatan 22B, 113 30, Stockholm, Sweden
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Curtin Autism Research Group, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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3
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Liu CH, Chen YL, Chen PJ, Ni HC, Lai MC. Exploring camouflaging by the Chinese version Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire in Taiwanese autistic and non-autistic adolescents: An initial development. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:690-704. [PMID: 37427427 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231181732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Camouflaging is a coping strategy used by some autistic and other neurodivergent people to fit in neurotypical social contexts. The self-reported Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire has been validated for use in research with adults in some Western societies, but not in non-Western cultural-ethnic groups. We translated Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire into traditional Chinese and examined the use of this measure in Taiwanese adolescents via both self-report and caregiver-report in 100 autistic and 105 non-autistic adolescents. Both self-reported and caregiver-reported Chinese version Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire were composed of two factors (i.e. a "compensation-masking" subscale and an "assimilation" subscale). Both adolescent self-reported and caregiver-reported Chinese version Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire total score and subscales were reliable in measurement, and they highly correlated with each other. Taiwanese autistic adolescents were more likely to camouflage than non-autistic adolescents, especially on assimilation. Female autistic adolescents showed higher assimilation than male autistic adolescents. Higher camouflaging, especially assimilation, was associated with higher stress in autistic and non-autistic adolescents alike. Both self-reported and caregiver-reported Chinese version Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire were reliable and offered meaningful information to help us understand the social coping experiences of autistic and non-autistic adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pei-Jung Chen
- Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Taoyuan, Taiwan
- King's College London, UK
| | | | - Meng-Chuan Lai
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Canada
- University of Toronto, Canada
- University of Cambridge, UK
- National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taiwan
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4
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Hasan NN, Petrides KV, Hull L. The relationship between explicit and implicit personality: Evidence from the Big Five and trait emotional intelligence. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287013. [PMID: 37812628 PMCID: PMC10561833 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The main aim of this study is to introduce an implicit personality assessment method (e.g., implicit association test) to Kuwait. We adapted an existing personality-related implicit association test (IAT; Big Five IAT), while also constructed the first trait EI IAT based on Petrides' four-factor model. We investigated the psychometric properties of the implicit association test through assessing the reliability of scores and also their relationship with their corresponding explicit measures. The measures were administered to 1458 university students in Kuwait. The zero-order correlations showed that the explicit and implicit measurement approaches led to non-converging constructs in the case of both trait EI and the Big Five. Lastly, we believe that we were successfully able to introduce the concept of personality-related implicit association tests to the Kuwaiti sample. Subsequently, the IATs presented in our study will allow researchers to study a relatively new personality field, that is the implicit personality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasser N. Hasan
- Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Educational Psychology Department, College of Education, Kuwait University, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | | | - Laura Hull
- Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Measuring Social Camouflaging in Individuals with High Functioning Autism: A Literature Review. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030469. [PMID: 36979279 PMCID: PMC10046375 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In the recent years, growing attention has been paid to the use of camouflaging strategies by adult populations suffering from autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with milder manifestations and without intellectual impairment, which may lead to a delay in diagnosis or even a misdiagnosis. In fact, high-functioning ASD individuals were reported to be more aware of their communication difficulties and were more likely make considerable efforts to adjust their behavior to conventional rules of non-autistic individuals, learning to imitate other non-ASD individuals. Moreover, females reported a higher frequency of camouflaging strategies, suggesting a role of camouflaging in the gender gap of the ASD diagnosis. Although camouflaging strategies can sometimes grant a better level of adjustment, even resulting in a hyper-adaptive behavior, they are also often correlated with negative mental health consequences due to the long-term stress associated with continuous attempts to adapt in day-to-day life. In this framework, the aim of the present work was to review the available studies that assessed the presence and correlates of camouflaging strategies in individuals with ASD. Although the literature available on the topic is still scarce, some interesting correlations between camouflaging and anxious and depressive symptoms, as well as suicidality, were highlighted. In particular, the controversial and sometime opposite thoughts and results about camouflaging may be clarified and integrated in light of a dimensional approach to psychopathology.
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Akbar A, Malik A, Warraich NF. Big Five Personality Traits and Knowledge Sharing Intentions of Academic Librarians. JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC LIBRARIANSHIP 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.acalib.2022.102632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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7
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Autistic traits and camouflaging behaviors: a cross-sectional investigation in a University student population. CNS Spectr 2022; 27:740-746. [PMID: 34505557 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852921000808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing research is stressing the importance of identifying autistic traits (ATs) in clinical and general populations. University students may be a group at higher risk for the presence of ATs. Recently, specific attention has been paid to camouflaging strategies used by subjects in the autism spectrum in order to cope with the social environment. The aim of this work was to evaluate the prevalence of ATs and camouflaging behaviors in a population of University students. METHODS Subjects were requested to anonymously fill out through an online form the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum and the Camouflaging AT Questionnaire. RESULTS ATs were more represented among males and among students of specific fields of study. Camouflaging behaviors were significantly more frequent among subjects with more severe autism spectrum symptoms, without differences depending from sex. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms the strong association between ATs and camouflaging behaviors and the relationship between ATs, sex, and specific fields of study.
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Rødgaard E, Jensen K, Miskowiak KW, Mottron L. Representativeness of autistic samples in studies recruiting through social media. Autism Res 2022; 15:1447-1456. [PMID: 35809003 PMCID: PMC9541916 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Survey-based research with recruitment through online channels is a convenient way to obtain large samples and has recently been increasingly used in autism research. However, sampling from online channels may be associated with a high risk of sampling bias causing findings not to be generalizable to the autism population. Here we examined autism studies that have sampled on social media for markers of sampling bias. Most samples showed one or more indicators of sampling bias, in the form of reversed sex ratio, higher employment rates, higher education level, lower fraction of individuals with intellectual disability, and later age of diagnosis than would be expected when comparing with for example population study results from published research. Findings from many of the included studies are therefore difficult to generalize to the broader autism population. Suggestions for how research strategies may be adapted to address some of the problems are discussed. LAY SUMMARY: Online surveys offer a convenient way to recruit large numbers of participants for autism research. However, the resulting samples may not fully reflect the autism population. Here we investigated the samples of 36 autism studies that recruited participants online and found that the demographic composition tended to deviate from what has been reported about the autism population in previous research. The results may thus not be generalizable to autism in general.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristian Jensen
- Department of Psychiatry and AddictologyUniversité de MontréalMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Kamilla Woznica Miskowiak
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Psychiatric Centre CopenhagenRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Laurent Mottron
- Department of Psychiatry and AddictologyUniversité de MontréalMontrealQuebecCanada
- Centre de Recherche du CIUSSS‐NIMHôpital Rivière‐des‐PrairiesMontréalQuebecCanada
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9
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The unique practices of workplace bullying in academe: An exploratory study. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03090-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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10
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Khesroh E, Butt M, Kalantari A, Leslie DL, Bronson S, Rigby A, Aumiller B. The use of emotional intelligence skills in combating burnout among residency and fellowship program directors. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:127. [PMID: 35209880 PMCID: PMC8872639 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03187-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current rates of burnout among physicians are alarming when compared to nonphysician U.S. workers, and numerous interventions have been introduced to mitigate the issue. However, no interventions have specifically targeted the 30% burnout rate among physician program directors. The complex and demanding role of program directors necessitates building relationships, solving crises, securing jobs for residents and maintaining well-being of trainees. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of emotional intelligence (EQ) on burnout levels among program directors. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was administered from May 17 to June 30, 2021 to program directors and assistant/ associate program directors at an academic medical center in south-central Pennsylvania. A self-report questionnaire was used to collect data. The survey included an open-ended question along with the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire- Short Form (TEIQue-SF), Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), and demographic questions. All data were analyzed using SAS Version 9.4. RESULTS Of the 109 program directors and assistant/associate program directors invited in the survey, 34 (31.20%) responded. The findings indicate that there is a moderate inverse association between EQ and burnout, suggesting EQ as a protective factor against burnout. We also found that program directors who were considering leaving their position demonstrated higher levels of burnout compared to those who did not. Results from the open-ended question suggest that perceived lack of support, micromanagement, criticism, and extra duties with less payment were among the reasons program directors and associates were considering steeping down from their position. The results showed no association between EQ skills and years of practicing. CONCLUSIONS Burnout among program directors and assistant/associate program directors is not as alarming as rates of burnout among physicians-in-training. However, despite high level of EQ skills and low burnout level, nearly 43% of program directors were considering leaving their position. Nurturing EQ skills may be useful in improving retention and reducing turnover among medical leaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiman Khesroh
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
| | - Melissa Butt
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Annahieta Kalantari
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Douglas L Leslie
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Sarah Bronson
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Andrea Rigby
- Department of Surgery - Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Betsy Aumiller
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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11
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Gharavi Roudsari E, Mousavi Nasab SH, Ghavidel-Parsa B, Yazdi F, Khezri Moghadam N. Personality and pain intensity in rheumatoid arthritis patients: The mediating role of pain catastrophizing and cognitive emotion regulation strategies. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.111390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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12
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Dell'Osso L, Cremone IM, Muti D, Massimetti G, Lorenzi P, Carmassi C, Carpita B. Validation of the Italian version of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) in a University population. Compr Psychiatry 2022; 114:152295. [PMID: 35042086 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2022.152295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) is an instrument recently developed and validated in English for measuring social camouflaging. While increasing research is focusing on camouflaging behaviours often used for masking autistic traits in social contexts, the CAT-Q remains the only self-report instrument in this field. We aimed to validate the Italian version of the CAT-Q, further testing its validity and reliability in a large Italian University population (N = 2439). We employed the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum) for assessing autism spectrum conditions. The CAT-Q demonstrated excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability, as well as strong correlations with the AdAS Spectrum. Our results confirm that the CAT-Q is a valuable instrument for evaluating social camouflaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of clinical and experimental medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Ivan Mirko Cremone
- Department of clinical and experimental medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Dario Muti
- Department of clinical and experimental medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Primo Lorenzi
- Department of clinical and experimental medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Department of clinical and experimental medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Carpita
- Department of clinical and experimental medicine, University of Pisa, Italy.
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Schwartzman JM, Williams ZJ, Richards JK, Mattheiss SR, Gotham KO. Neuroticism Drives Associations Between Repetitive Behaviors and Depression in Autistic Adults. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:803361. [PMID: 35308873 PMCID: PMC8924483 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.803361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is more prevalent among autistic adults than neurotypical adults, yet risk factors are incompletely understood in this population. Some research groups have focused on relationships between negative repetitive thinking and depression in the autistic population, which may explain elevated prevalence rates in line with general population findings on rumination and internalizing disorders. Little is known about associations between depression and more prototypical repetitive cognitions and/or behaviors characteristic of autism (i.e., insistence on sameness [IS] and repetitive sensorimotor [RSM] behaviors). Therefore, the present study aimed to examine associations between IS, RSM behaviors, and depressive symptoms in 762 autistic adults, and whether observed effects are confounded by additional factors (e.g., demographic factors, trait neuroticism). To test if greater IS scores were associated with greater depressive symptoms on the BDI-II, a Bayesian linear regression was conducted with BDI-II scores (dependent variable) regressed on age, gender, educational level, RSM scores, and IS scores (independent variables). To test the effects of neuroticism on observed relationships, a second regression was conducted that included all predictors from the baseline model and neuroticism. Standardized regression coefficients were tested against an interval null hypothesis of [-0.1, 0.1] to assess for practical significance. Results indicated that IS exhibited a moderate positive relationship with depressive symptoms, while RSM behaviors provided only a slight increase in predictive ability. However in the second model, neuroticism exhibited a strong positive relationship with depressive symptoms, completely attenuating the effect of IS. Associations between RSM behaviors and depressive symptoms did not meet our criteria for practical significance, particularly when neuroticism was added to the model. Neither RSM nor IS moderated the effect of neuroticism on depression. The findings from this study add to the literature on risk factors in the pathway to depression in autism, and suggest opportunities for clinical translation to screening and intervention efforts. Screening for IS in autistic individuals is a common diagnostic practice in clinical and research settings that may be leveraged to also identify those at higher risk for depression, and increasing flexibility in daily life may promote emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Schwartzman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Zachary J Williams
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States.,Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States.,Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Jared K Richards
- Department of Psychology, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States
| | | | - Katherine O Gotham
- Department of Psychology, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States
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14
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Libsack EJ, Keenan EG, Freden CE, Mirmina J, Iskhakov N, Krishnathasan D, Lerner MD. A Systematic Review of Passing as Non-autistic in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2021; 24:783-812. [PMID: 34505231 PMCID: PMC10613328 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-021-00365-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
While long described in anecdotal accounts of the lived experiences of autistic individuals, the phenomenon of behaving in ways that appear inconsistent with the presence of autism (or passing as non-autistic; PAN) has recently seen a dramatic increase in scrutiny in the published scientific literature. Increased research attention has coincided with a proliferation of methods, definitions, measures, and population assumptions associated with PAN. To date, however, no review has sought to systematically identify and synthesize the literature on PAN. This systematic review reflects the state of the PAN literature as of May 2020. Ninety articles were screened, 66 were identified for evaluation, and 46 met inclusion criteria and were reliably coded for study characteristics and participant characteristics. Results reveal that the PAN literature includes a relatively even mix of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies, and that a variety of terms are used for PAN (with masking and camouflage being the most frequent). Sample sizes varied widely (from one to 832 participants), with 63.06% of participants being categorized as autistic. Nearly all studies reported methods for confirming autism diagnoses, with community and clinical diagnoses being most common. The majority of studies reported participant gender, with slightly more females included than males on average, but fewer than half of all studies compared PAN across genders. Nearly all studies reported participant age, demonstrating a wide range of 2 to 79 years, with a mean age of 23.85. Conversely, only 23.91% of studies provided participant race or ethnicity data. Nearly all studies formally or informally excluded participants with intellectual disability. Finally, measures of internalizing symptoms, which are often thought to be linked to PAN, were reported in only 17.4% of studies. Implications for gaps in understanding of PAN and future directions for the field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin J Libsack
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Elliot Gavin Keenan
- Department of Human Development and Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Caroline E Freden
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Julianne Mirmina
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Matthew D Lerner
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
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15
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Cook J, Hull L, Crane L, Mandy W. Camouflaging in autism: A systematic review. Clin Psychol Rev 2021; 89:102080. [PMID: 34563942 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2021.102080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Some autistic people employ strategies and behaviours to cope with the everyday social world, thereby 'camouflaging' their autistic differences and difficulties. This review aimed to systematically appraise and synthesise the current evidence base pertaining to autistic camouflaging. Following a systematic search of eight databases, 29 studies quantifying camouflaging in children and adults with autism diagnoses or high levels of autistic traits were reviewed. The multiple methods used to measure camouflaging broadly fell under two different approaches: internal-external discrepancy or self-report. These approaches appear to relate to two distinct but potentially connected elements of camouflaging: observable behavioural presentations and self-perceived camouflaging efforts. While significant variation was noted across individual study findings, much of the existing literature supported three preliminary findings about the nature of autistic camouflaging: (1) adults with more self-reported autistic traits report greater engagement in camouflaging; (2) sex and gender differences exist in camouflaging; and (3) higher self-reported camouflaging is associated with worse mental health outcomes. However, the research base was limited regarding participant characterisation and representativeness, which suggests that conclusions cannot be applied to the autistic community as a whole. We propose priorities for future research in refining the current understanding of camouflaging and improving measurement methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Cook
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational, & Health Psychology, University College London, UK.
| | - Laura Hull
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational, & Health Psychology, University College London, UK
| | - Laura Crane
- Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), UCL Institute of Education, University College London, UK
| | - William Mandy
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational, & Health Psychology, University College London, UK
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"You Must Become a Chameleon to Survive": Adolescent Experiences of Camouflaging. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:4422-4435. [PMID: 33590426 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04912-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Camouflaging includes strategies used by individuals to mask or hide autistic traits. Research has shown that both autistic and neurotypical individuals engage in camouflaging and that there may be sex differences in the reasons for camouflaging in autistic adults. The purpose of this qualitative study was to extend previous research on the lived experience of camouflaging through exploring camouflaging motivations and consequences in autistic and neurotypical adolescents through both questionnaires (n = 132) and semi-structured interviews (n = 19). Results revealed trends in camouflaging motivations and consequences by diagnosis and sex, as well as by sex within the autistic group. These findings further inform our understanding of camouflaging and why it may be reported as particularly detrimental for autistic females.
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17
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Jorgenson C, Lewis T, Rose C, Kanne S. Social Camouflaging in Autistic and Neurotypical Adolescents: A Pilot Study of Differences by Sex and Diagnosis. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 50:4344-4355. [PMID: 32270386 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04491-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Camouflaging is a process through which individuals mask autistic traits. Studies suggest autistic females may camouflage more than autistic males. However, research has focused on adults and includes few comparisons between autistic and neurotypical individuals. This study compared levels of camouflaging by sex and diagnosis in autistic and neurotypical adolescents. Females reported higher overall levels of camouflaging when not accounting for age. When accounting for age, an age by diagnosis interaction effect emerged. This possible effect of age on camouflaging has implications for understanding how camouflaging behaviors develop and warrants further exploration. Differences also emerged on behaviors labeled as masking and assimilation, subcomponents of camouflaging, with females appearing more similar to their neurotypical peers on behaviors related to social awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Jorgenson
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, 103 McAlester Hall, Columbia, MO, 65202, USA.
| | - Timothy Lewis
- Department of Special Education, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA
| | - Chad Rose
- Department of Special Education, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA
| | - Stephen Kanne
- Department of Health Psychology and Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA
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18
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Hull L, Petrides KV, Mandy W. Cognitive Predictors of Self-Reported Camouflaging in Autistic Adolescents. Autism Res 2020; 14:523-532. [PMID: 33047869 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Camouflaging involves masking and/or compensating for autistic characteristics and has been identified in autistic individuals through a variety of different methods. Individual variation in the extent, processes and outcomes of camouflaging has been reported in autistic adults, and there has been some investigation of camouflaging by autistic adolescents. This study was conducted to better understand how some of these individual differences emerge, by examining potential mechanisms (theory of mind, executive function, intelligence quotient and age) involved in camouflaging by 58 autistic adolescents aged 13-18 years (29 females, 29 males). Fewer executive function difficulties predicted greater use of total camouflaging strategies and the compensation subscale, but not the masking or assimilation subscales; no other predictors reached statistical significance. These findings suggest that individual differences in executive function ability may underlie variation in the use of camouflaging by adolescents. The total variance explained in the model was small, suggesting the need to examine other factors which may underpin camouflaging. The implications of this finding for the relationship between camouflaging and well-being are discussed, along with the distinction between attempts to camouflage and the efficacy of those attempts. LAY SUMMARY: Camouflaging involves hiding your autism or finding ways around difficulties in order to fit in during social situations. This study found that autistic teenagers with good executive function abilities camouflage their autism more than those who struggle with executive function (which includes planning, goal-direction and memory). This may have implications for teenagers' mental health and their social functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hull
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK.,East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - K V Petrides
- London Psychometric Laboratory, University College London, London, UK
| | - William Mandy
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
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19
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Tziner A, Fein EC, Kim SK, Vasiliu C, Shkoler O. Combining Associations Between Emotional Intelligence, Work Motivation, and Organizational Justice With Counterproductive Work Behavior: A Profile Analysis via Multidimensional Scaling (PAMS) Approach. Front Psychol 2020; 11:851. [PMID: 32508710 PMCID: PMC7248301 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The need for better incorporation of the construct emotional intelligence (EI) into counterproductive work behavior (CWB) research may be achieved via a unified conceptual framework. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to use the Profile Analysis via Multidimensional Scaling (PAMS) approach, and a conceptual framework that unifies motivational process with antecedents and outcomes, to assess differences in EI concerning a variety of constructs: organizational justice, CWB, emotional exhaustion, job satisfaction, and intrinsic motivation. Employing established scales within a framework unifying CWB, intrinsic motivation, EI, organizational justice, and outcome constructs, two EI-based profiles displayed associations with CWB based on responses from 3,293 employees. Both the first core profile, high overall justice and low emotional intelligence, and the second core profile, high emotional intelligence and low work motivation, displayed associations with interpersonal deviance and organizational deviance, as well as emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction. The results are discussed with respect to possible underlying theory and an overarching unified motivation framework that incorporates goal choice, intrinsic motivation, antecedents, and outcomes. We also provide directions for future research and implications for managers in the workplace based on heuristic conceptual frameworks that combine multiple motivational perspectives into a unified model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aharon Tziner
- Peres Academic Center, Rehovot, Israel.,Netanya Academic College, Netanya, Israel
| | - Erich C Fein
- School of Psychology and Counselling, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
| | - Se-Kang Kim
- Department of Psychology, Fordham University, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Or Shkoler
- Netanya Academic College, Netanya, Israel
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20
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McCarthy SA, Ford TC, Lomas JE, Stough C. Subclinical autistic traits mediate the relationship between emotional intelligence and resiliency in adolescents. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.109845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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