Links between Autism and social anxiety are well established. However statistical issues in previous research, coupled with difficulties differentiating social versus general anxiety in this group, have raised questions about this relationship. We explored generalised anxiety, and its subcomponents, as potential mediators of this relationship in two studies, drawing on large samples from the general population. These analyses provide evidence of a positive relationship between autistic traits and social anxiety, even when controlling for generalised anxiety, depression, and socio-demographic variables. Nonetheless, generalised anxiety and depression significantly mediated the relationship between autistic traits and social anxiety. Exploratory mediation analysis indicated that intolerance of uncertainty and negative problem orientation were key factors in understanding this relationship. We discuss the clinical relevance of these findings in considering the importance of intolerance of uncertainty when assessing for and managing social anxiety in autistic populations.
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology : Main Research Portfolio: 1) Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Examining the Cooccurrence of Borderline Personality Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders; 2) Evaluating a training for clinicians providing psychological interventions for military veterans with operations/conflict-related PTSD; 3) Understanding the contribution of generalised anxiety to the relationship between autism and social anxiety.
Robinson, R. (Author). 15 Sept 2021
Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis › Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy)