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Carpita B, Nardi B, Giovannoni F, Parri F, Cerofolini G, Bonelli C, Massimetti G, Pellecchia E, Pini S, Cremone IM, Dell’Osso L. Assessing Autistic Traits, Hikikomori Tendencies, Pathological Videogaming, and Eating Disorders in University Students: Are Pathological Videogaming and Eating Disorders Gender-Specific Manifestations of the Autism Spectrum? Brain Sci 2024; 14:720. [PMID: 39061460 PMCID: PMC11274810 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14070720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In the previous literature, specific attention has been paid to investigate autism spectrum symptoms and traits in university students. In this framework, we aimed to evaluate the presence and correlates of autistic traits, hikikomori tendencies, altered eating behaviors, and pathological videogaming in a sample of Italian university students enrolled in bachelor's degree courses. A total of 1192 students were recruited via an online survey and assessed with the Hikikomori Questionnaire-25, the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum Questionnaire, the Eating Attitude test-26, and the Assessment of Internet and Computer Game Addiction. Our results highlighted significant differences in the prevalence of autistic traits, social withdrawal tendencies, altered eating habits, and pathological videogame use in university students based on gender, age, parents' level of instruction, and field of study. A significant effect of the presence of autistic traits and gender on the scores obtained with the other questionnaires was reported. Our results not only support the role of autistic traits as a vulnerability factor for the development of a set of psychopathological conditions but also suggest that gender could modulate this vulnerability, supporting the hypothesis of gender-specific phenotypes in the autism spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (F.G.); (F.P.); (G.C.); (C.B.); (G.M.); (S.P.); (I.M.C.); (L.D.)
| | - Benedetta Nardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (F.G.); (F.P.); (G.C.); (C.B.); (G.M.); (S.P.); (I.M.C.); (L.D.)
| | - Federico Giovannoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (F.G.); (F.P.); (G.C.); (C.B.); (G.M.); (S.P.); (I.M.C.); (L.D.)
| | - Francesca Parri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (F.G.); (F.P.); (G.C.); (C.B.); (G.M.); (S.P.); (I.M.C.); (L.D.)
| | - Gianluca Cerofolini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (F.G.); (F.P.); (G.C.); (C.B.); (G.M.); (S.P.); (I.M.C.); (L.D.)
| | - Chiara Bonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (F.G.); (F.P.); (G.C.); (C.B.); (G.M.); (S.P.); (I.M.C.); (L.D.)
| | - Gabriele Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (F.G.); (F.P.); (G.C.); (C.B.); (G.M.); (S.P.); (I.M.C.); (L.D.)
| | | | - Stefano Pini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (F.G.); (F.P.); (G.C.); (C.B.); (G.M.); (S.P.); (I.M.C.); (L.D.)
| | - Ivan Mirko Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (F.G.); (F.P.); (G.C.); (C.B.); (G.M.); (S.P.); (I.M.C.); (L.D.)
| | - Liliana Dell’Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (F.G.); (F.P.); (G.C.); (C.B.); (G.M.); (S.P.); (I.M.C.); (L.D.)
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Mantzalas J, Richdale AL, Li X, Dissanayake C. Measuring and validating autistic burnout. Autism Res 2024; 17:1417-1449. [PMID: 38660943 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3129] [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] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Researchers have begun to explore the characteristics and risk factors for autistic burnout, but assessment tools are lacking. Our study comprehensively examined and compared the psychometric properties of the unpublished 27-item AASPIRE Autistic Burnout Measure (ABM), and personal and work scales of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) to evaluate their efficacy as screening measures for autistic burnout, with a group of 238 autistic adults. Exploratory factor analyses (EFA) revealed a 4-factor structure for the ABM and a 2-factor structure for the CBI personal scale (CBI-P). Factorial validity and dimensionality were examined with four exploratory models which indicated a unidimensional structure for the ABM with an overarching 'Autistic Burnout' construct, and multidimensional CBI-P structure comprising two subscales and overarching 'Personal Burnout' construct. Other reliability and validity indicators included Spearman correlations, analysis of variance, receiver operating characteristics, sensitivity, specificity, and intra-class correlations (ICC). The ABM and CBI-P were strongly correlated with depression, anxiety, stress, and fatigue. Unexpectedly, correlations between the burnout measures and camouflaging, and wellbeing measures were moderate. Potential overlap between burnout and depression and fatigue was examined through EFA, which supported convergent validity of the ABM and depression measure, while correlations and ICC analyses revealed mixed results. We concluded that the ABM and the CBI-P Emotional Exhaustion subscale were valid preliminary screening tools for autistic burnout. Testing with larger and more diverse autistic samples is required to further examine the psychometric properties of the ABM, and to understand the relationships between autistic burnout and depression, and masking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Mantzalas
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Amanda L Richdale
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Xia Li
- La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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Dewa LH, Roberts L, Choong E, Crandell C, Demkowicz O, Ashworth E, Branquinho C, Scott S. The impact of COVID-19 on young people's mental health, wellbeing and routine from a European perspective: A co-produced qualitative systematic review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299547. [PMID: 38507395 PMCID: PMC10954119 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on young people's (YP) mental health has been mixed. Systematic reviews to date have focused predominantly on quantitative studies and lacked involvement from YP with lived experience of mental health difficulties. Therefore, our primary aim was to conduct a qualitative systematic review to examine the perceived impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on YP's (aged 10-24) mental health and wellbeing across Europe. METHODS AND FINDINGS We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Science, MEDRXIV, OSF preprints, Google, and voluntary sector websites for studies published from 1st January 2020 to 15th November 2022. European studies were included if they reported qualitative data that could be extracted on YP's (aged 10-24) own perspectives of their experiences of Covid-19 and related disruptions to their mental health and wellbeing. Screening, data extraction and appraisal was conducted independently in duplicate by researchers and YP with lived experience of mental health difficulties (co-researchers). Confidence was assessed using the Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (CERQual) approach. We co-produced an adapted narrative thematic synthesis with co-researchers. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021251578. We found 82 publications and included 77 unique studies in our narrative synthesis. Most studies were from the UK (n = 50; 65%); and generated data during the first Covid-19 wave (March-May 2020; n = 33; 43%). Across the 79,491 participants, views, and experiences of YP minoritised by ethnicity and sexual orientation, and from marginalised or vulnerable YP were limited. Five synthesised themes were identified: negative impact of pandemic information and restrictions on wellbeing; education and learning on wellbeing; social connection to prevent loneliness and disconnection; emotional, lifestyle and behavioural changes; and mental health support. YP's mental health and wellbeing across Europe were reported to have fluctuated during the pandemic. Challenges were similar but coping strategies to manage the impact of these challenges on mental health varied across person, study, and country. Short-term impacts were related to the consequences of changing restrictions on social connection, day-to-day lifestyle, and education set-up. However, YP identified potential issues in these areas going forward, and therefore stressed the importance of ongoing long-term support in education, learning and mental health post-Covid-19. CONCLUSIONS Our findings map onto the complex picture seen from quantitative systematic reviews regarding the impact of Covid-19 on YP's mental health. The comparatively little qualitative data found in our review means there is an urgent need for more high-quality qualitative research outside of the UK and/or about the experiences of minoritised groups to ensure all voices are heard and everyone is getting the support they need following the pandemic. YP's voices need to be prioritised in decision-making processes on education, self-care strategies, and mental health and wellbeing, to drive impactful, meaningful policy changes in anticipation of a future systemic crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay H. Dewa
- NIHR Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lily Roberts
- NIHR Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Health Policy, Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Elizabeth Choong
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Crandell
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ola Demkowicz
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Ashworth
- School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Catia Branquinho
- Environmental Health Institute, Medicine Faculty, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Steph Scott
- Newcastle Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Davies J, Romualdez AM, Pellicano E, Remington A. Career progression for autistic people: A scoping review. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024:13623613241236110. [PMID: 38477466 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241236110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Lots of autistic people are unemployed. Even when they are employed, autistic people might be given fewer opportunities than non-autistic people to progress in their careers. For example, assumptions about autistic people's differences in social communication might mean they are not given as many promotions. Indeed, we know that many autistic people are in jobs lower than their abilities (known as 'underemployment'). We reviewed 33 studies that tell us something about career progression for autistic people. Our review found that lots of autistic people want to progress in their careers, but there are many barriers in their way. For example, when they told their employer about being autistic, some people were given fewer opportunities. Research has also shown that autistic people do not get enough support to progress and that gaps in their employment history can make it difficult to progress. Our review suggested that good employment support (e.g. mentors) might help autistic people to progress in their careers. However, not much research has evaluated employment support for autistic people, which means we do not know how useful it is. Future research should find the best support that allows autistic people to live and work in ways that are meaningful to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Davies
- Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), Department of Psychology and Human Development, IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, UK
| | - Anna Melissa Romualdez
- Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), Department of Psychology and Human Development, IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, UK
| | | | - Anna Remington
- Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), Department of Psychology and Human Development, IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, UK
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Sela‐Vasiliu S, Miehl C, Huygelier H, Oren‐Suissa M, Gjorgjieva J, Gillebert CR. FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence: Mentorship during the COVID-19 pandemic: Perspectives, challenges and opportunities. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:4429-4437. [PMID: 35980818 PMCID: PMC9538951 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Christoph Miehl
- Computation in Neural Circuits GroupMax Planck Institute for Brain ResearchFrankfurtGermany
- School of Life SciencesTechnical University of MunichFreisingGermany
| | - Hanne Huygelier
- Department of Brain and CognitionLeuven Brain InstituteLeuvenBelgium
- Experimental PsychologyUniversity of UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | | | - Julijana Gjorgjieva
- Computation in Neural Circuits GroupMax Planck Institute for Brain ResearchFrankfurtGermany
- School of Life SciencesTechnical University of MunichFreisingGermany
| | - Celine R. Gillebert
- Department of Brain and CognitionLeuven Brain InstituteLeuvenBelgium
- Centre for Translational Psychological Research (TRACE)Hospital East‐LimbourgGenkBelgium
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Arnold SR, Higgins JM, Weise J, Desai A, Pellicano E, Trollor JN. Towards the measurement of autistic burnout. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:1933-1948. [PMID: 36637292 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221147401] [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: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Autistic burnout has been talked about by autistic adults for some time on blogs and in social media. Now, research describes fatigue, exhaustion and other related symptoms experienced by autistic people. We need new ways to help identify autistic burnout. In this study, we tested a new questionnaire called the AASPIRE Autistic Burnout Measure, and we investigated things that are linked to worse autistic burnout. We also trialled a group of Autistic Burnout Severity Items that we made. Working with an autistic researcher, we made the Autistic Burnout Severity Items based on published definitions of autistic burnout. Autistic adults (n = 141) who had experienced autistic burnout completed an online survey. We found that autistic burnout was connected to masking and depression. The Autistic Burnout Measure tool was associated with depression but not with masking. It was not very accurate in telling apart participants who were currently experiencing burnout versus those who were reporting on their past experience. The Autistic Burnout Severity Items might have problems with subscales adding together to measure autistic burnout. More work is needed on how to measure autistic burnout. Our research and other recent studies show autistic people experience a combination of exhaustion, withdrawal and problems with their concentration and thinking. Burnout seems to be linked to the stress experienced by autistic people in their daily lives. We need more research to understand the difference between autistic burnout and other conditions and experiences. We need to develop assessment tools that can help identify this burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Rc Arnold
- UNSW Sydney, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Australia
| | - Julianne M Higgins
- UNSW Sydney, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Australia
| | | | | | - Elizabeth Pellicano
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Australia
- Macquarie University, Australia
| | - Julian N Trollor
- UNSW Sydney, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Australia
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Realpe AX, Mills N, Beasant L, Douglas S, Kenny L, Rai D. Lockdown Experiences and Views on Future Research Participation of Autistic Adults in the UK During the First 6 Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2023; 5:301-310. [PMID: 37663442 PMCID: PMC10468553 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2022.0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in large-scale public health restrictions and lockdowns across many countries. There is an increasing literature on the varied impact of such lockdowns in autistic adults. However, there is very little research on how the pandemic and related public health measures may impact the willingness of autistic people in engaging and taking part in research. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore autistic adults' experiences of the COVID-19 lockdown and how the pandemic may affect future research participation. Methods We conducted in-depth interviews with 31 autistic adults between March and July 2020. Transcripts were analyzed thematically within a critical realism framework. Results Participants identified positive aspects of lockdown such as enjoying the lack of social pressures and using their well-developed skills for dealing with uncertainty. Autistic people also shared challenges of adjusting to lockdown, for example, rapid change in daily routines. While hopeful about the freedom gained from easing restrictions, participants were concerned about the inconsistent communication and application of rules during the transition out of lockdown. This may have exacerbated already rising mental health issues among autistic people. The participants viewed research participation and engagement with increased relevance during the pandemic and welcomed efforts to conduct research using online methods of communication. Conclusion The COVID-19 lockdown had a varied effect in the lives and routines of autistic people. However, health care providers and researchers need to be mindful of rising mental health issues in the aftermath of the pandemic, especially for people who were already vulnerable. The response to the pandemic may have offered opportunities for innovation in research processes enabling more autistic people to engage with research and making studies more inclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba X. Realpe
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Mills
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Beasant
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | - Lorcan Kenny
- Autistica UK Charity, London, United Kingdom
- Learning Disability and Autism Programme, NHS England & NHS Improvement, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dheeraj Rai
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Avon and Wiltshire Partnership NHS Mental Health Trust, Bath, United Kingdom
- NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Wijaya TT, Rahmadi IF, Chotimah S, Jailani J, Wutsqa DU. A Case Study of Factors That Affect Secondary School Mathematics Achievement: Teacher-Parent Support, Stress Levels, and Students' Well-Being. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192316247. [PMID: 36498321 PMCID: PMC9737574 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Psychology is one of the numerous factors that influences students' mathematics achievement, but studies on the influence of psychology on student mathematics achievement are still limited. This study analyzes key factors affecting mathematics achievement through teacher-parent support, stress, and students' well-being in learning mathematics. Data was collected via online questionnaires. Participants of the study are 531 students studying at five secondary schools in Bandung, Indonesia. The data were analyzed using the structural equations modeling approach using SMART-PLS 3.0 software. The results showed that interest in learning was the most significant factor affecting students' mathematics achievement. Moreover, teachers have a more substantial effect than parents' support, which does not significantly reduce the students' stress levels. The academic and emotional support of teachers and parents reduces students' stress levels while increasing their feelings and interest in learning mathematics. This study provides essential results for school teachers and parents to improve students' mathematics achievement at the secondary school level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommy Tanu Wijaya
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Imam Fitri Rahmadi
- Linz School of Education, Johannes Kepler University Linz, 4040 Linz, Austria
| | - Siti Chotimah
- Fakultas Matematika dan Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam, Kampus Karangmalang, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
| | - Jailani Jailani
- Fakultas Matematika dan Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam, Kampus Karangmalang, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
| | - Dhoriva Urwatul Wutsqa
- Fakultas Matematika dan Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam, Kampus Karangmalang, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
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