Self-Perceived Interoception in a Changing World: The effect of autistic traits and interoceptive awareness scales on sensorimotor cognitive flexibility

This study investigates the relationship between autistic traits, interoceptive awareness, and sensorimotor cognitive flexibility. Building on the Interoceptive Trait Prediction Error (ITPE) theory, it is hypothesized that autistic traits are predictive of cognitive flexibility in a negative direction, while interoceptive awareness is predictive of cognitive flexibility in a positive direction. Interoceptive awareness was measured with the eight subscales of the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness Version 2 (Noticing, Not Distracting, Not Worrying, Attention Regulation, Emotional Awareness, Self-Regulation, Body Listening, and Trust), and autistic traits were measured with the short version of the Autism Quotient (AQ-10). Sensorimotor cognitive flexibility was measured with a virtual reality game task. With the data of 80 participants, a multiple linear regression was performed. Emotional awareness significantly and positively predicted cognitive flexibility,...Show moreThis study investigates the relationship between autistic traits, interoceptive awareness, and sensorimotor cognitive flexibility. Building on the Interoceptive Trait Prediction Error (ITPE) theory, it is hypothesized that autistic traits are predictive of cognitive flexibility in a negative direction, while interoceptive awareness is predictive of cognitive flexibility in a positive direction. Interoceptive awareness was measured with the eight subscales of the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness Version 2 (Noticing, Not Distracting, Not Worrying, Attention Regulation, Emotional Awareness, Self-Regulation, Body Listening, and Trust), and autistic traits were measured with the short version of the Autism Quotient (AQ-10). Sensorimotor cognitive flexibility was measured with a virtual reality game task. With the data of 80 participants, a multiple linear regression was performed. Emotional awareness significantly and positively predicted cognitive flexibility, which can be explained through the lens of emotion regulation. Autistic traits significantly predicted cognitive flexibility in a negative direction. However, the regression model in which these predictors existed was insignificant, leading to overall inconclusive results. Future replication based on our limitations is encouraged, and the necessity of similar research is underlined in light of autistic trait networks.Show less

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Self-Perceived Interoception in a Changing World: The effect of autistic traits and interoceptive awareness scales on sensorimotor cognitive flexibility