Autistic traits and COVID-19-related post-traumatic stress disorder symptom: Sex difference and the role of anxiety sensitivity. (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhao, Xudong; Li, Wenrui; Li, Xiujun; Shi, Wendian; Li, Chunbo
• Is Part Of: Research in autism spectrum disorders. Volume 98(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: Autism spectrum disorder -- Autistic traits -- Anxiety sensitivity -- COVID-19 -- Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Mediating effect; Autism spectrum disorders -- Periodicals; 616.85882005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2022.102042
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1750-9467

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and high autistic traits (ATs) are at a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following exposure to social traumatic events. However, the association between ATs and PTSD symptoms following exposure to pathogen threat-related traumatic situations, the role of sex differences in this association, and the mediating mechanism are yet unexplored. This study explored the effects of ATs, sex, and their interaction on COVID-19-related PTSD symptoms, as well as the possible mediating role of anxiety sensitivity (AS) between ATs and PTSD symptoms. Method: In total, six hundred ninety-six valid participants (379 women) completed questionnaires assessing their ATs, COVID-19-related PTSD symptoms, and AS. Generalized linear model and mediation effects analyses were conducted. Results: Our results showed higher levels of COVID-19-related PTSD symptoms in the high ATs group, especially in women with high AT, compared to the low ATs group. ATs also exerts a significant indirect effect on COVID-19-related PTSD symptom through AS. Conclusions: The results indicate an increased vulnerability of individuals with high ATs (especially females) to COVID-19-related PTSD and the mediating mechanism of the co-occurrence of ATs-PTSD. These findings have implications for PTSD interventions for individuals with high ATs and ASD in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Highlights: Examined the associations between autistic traits, COVID-19 PTSD, and anxiety sensitivity. Autistic traits predict increased COVID-19 PTSD. Anxiety sensitivity mediates the relationship between autistic traits and COVID-19 PTSD. Individuals with high autistic traits are more susceptible to the COVID-19 PTSD.