|
Abstract
|
Introduction: Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q) is the most common microdeletion disorder affecting 1 in every 2,000 to 4,000 live births. Children with 22q often have poor social competence and are also at increased risk for psychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and psychosis. It is not clear whether poor social functioning in 22q is influenced by cognitive style such as low empathizing quotient (EQ), and high systemizing quotient (SQ) as in reported in individuals with ASD. Thus, the study assessed EQ/SQ, Theory of Mind (ToM) and social functioning in 22q. Methods: 22q (n=23, mean age= 16.7 +/- 3.2 years, 9 males) and typically developing control (TD) (n=16, mean age= 16.6, +/- 2.4 years, 9 males) participants completed a ToM task (Triangles Task: see Abell et al., 2000) as well as self-report EQ/SQ questionnaire. Parents-reported Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was also collected. Results: Compared to the TD group, participants with 22q endorsed significantly fewer empathizing (22q: mean=33.4 (9.9), TD: mean= 43.6 (12.1); t(37)=-2.9, p=0.006) and fewer systemizing items (22q: mean=37.2 (9.7), TD: mean= 47.4 (17.3); t(37)=-2.1, p=0.045). Neither group demonstrated a cognitive style preference (i.e., EQ or SQ: p>0.05). On the ToM task, participants with 22q produced fewer appropriate descriptions (t (37)=-3.4, p=0.002) and less intentionality (t(37)=-2.6, p=0.012) to describe ToM animations compared to the TD group. In the 22q group only, correlational analysis indicated significant negative associations with higher EQ scores and lower SDQ total score (r=-0.58, p<0.004), and fewer peer problems (r=-0.44, p<0.04) and more prosocial behaviors (r=0.53, p<0.01). ToM performance was not associated with EQ and SQ. Conclusion: Given previous reports of the relationship between empathizing and ToM, the results of the current study showed that EQ/SQ preference was not associated with the measure of ToM. This finding was unexpected and may be explained by the sensitivity of the ToM measure. Neither group demonstrated evidence of a dominant EQ/SQ cognitive style. Finally, although 22q participants endorsed fewer EQ items, higher EQ scores were associated with a more adaptive social behavior in this group.
|
