Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | Mediating Effects of Mentalization and Social Camouflaging on the Association between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Depression |
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| Contribution code | D3.024 |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Aims: Social camouflaging is the tendency of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to hide their autistic characteristics and is common among adult women with ASD. The factors underlying social camouflaging in the mental health of women with ASD need to be examined. This study examined the processes associated with ASD, Social camouflaging, and depression, with a focus on mentalization. Methods: Participants were 391 adult women with a mean age of 42.2 years (SD = 10.6). They completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient, Mentalization Scale, Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire, and Kessler 10. We examined the correlations among the variable data using structural equations modelling and indirect effects using mediation analysis. Results and Conclusions: In the association from ASD to depression, significant indirect effects were shown when self-rated mentalization, a subfactor of mentalization and assimilation, a subfactor of social camouflaging, were mediating variables (β= .05, p < .01, 95%Cl [.02, .08]). Self-related mentalization is the ability to understand one's own mental states (e.g., emotions, beliefs, and desires) and is also related to emotional stability and identity integration. Thus, promoting self-understanding in individuals with ASD may prevent negative effects on mental health due to social camouflage in social situations. In the future, we should further consider self-understanding, including identity in ASD. |