Need for closure and cognitive flexibility in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: A preliminary study. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fujino, Junya; Tei, Shisei; Itahashi, Takashi; Aoki, Yuta; Ohta, Haruhisa; Kubota, Manabu; Isobe, Masanori; Hashimoto, Ryu-ichiro; Nakamura, Motoaki; Kato, Nobumasa; Takahashi, Hidehiko
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 271(2019)
• Page Start: 247
• Page End: 252
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Preference for predictability -- Closed-mindedness -- Decisiveness; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.11.057
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Highlights: The need for closure (NFC) has a key role in cognitive flexibility. The scores in preference for predictability and closed-mindedness were higher in ASD. The ASD group reported lower scores in decisiveness. These NFC facets were associated with cognitive flexibility in ASD and TD groups. Abstract: The need for closure (NFC), a desire for a firm answer and less ambiguity, has a key role in cognitive flexibility in typical development (TD) populations. This study investigated this motivational construct and its relation to cognitive inflexibility in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Compared with individuals with TD, those with ASD reported higher levels in preference for predictability and closed-mindedness and lower levels in decisiveness. These NFC facets were significantly associated with cognitive flexibility in ASD as well as TD groups. The study findings provide further insights into the motivational underpinnings of flexible behavior in ASD.