Earlier evidence suggests that autistic traits may be one of the strong predictors of suicidality for university students. Additionally, these traits were associated with social difficulties....Show moreEarlier evidence suggests that autistic traits may be one of the strong predictors of suicidality for university students. Additionally, these traits were associated with social difficulties. Moreover, certain social support factors, like peers and family, seem to help autistic students in dealing with suicidality. This study investigates whether there is mediation of perceived social support between the relationship of autism symptoms and suicidality. Hence, we hypothesized severe autism symptoms to be associated lower perceived social support and therefore, higher levels of suicidality. Students of Vrije University, from 11 different countries, filled our online survey. To measure symptoms of autism, perceived social support and suicidality, we used online self-report questionnaires Autism Quotient-Short (AQ-Short), Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL) and Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSSI) respectively. Since results showed that the total effect autism symptoms on suicidality was not significant, there was no mediation of social support in our model. However, in contrast to expectations, autism symptoms predicted significantly higher perceived social support. As expected, higher social support predicted significantly less suicidality. While our hypothesis was the exact opposite of our results, we discuss the importance of structured support programs provided by faculties, and the requirement of raising knowledge and awareness about autism in the university population to create a safe, supportive and inclusive university environment for autistic university students.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2017-09-20T00:00:00Z
One of the dysfunctions associated with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (47,XXY) are difficulties in social functioning, which may arise as a consequence of executive functioning (EF) and Theory of Mind ...Show moreOne of the dysfunctions associated with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (47,XXY) are difficulties in social functioning, which may arise as a consequence of executive functioning (EF) and Theory of Mind (ToM) deficits. In this study, the influence of EF on ToM skills in KS boys was examined, as well as how these skills relate to autistic features. ASD traits were assessed with the parent-report Autism-Spectrum Quotient. ToM skills were measured with the Social Cognitive Skills Test. EF skills were measured with the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals and Amsterdam Neuropsychological Tasks. 28 KS boys (Mage=13.2, SD=3.0) participated in this study, along with 45 ASD boys (Mage=11.9, SD=2.0) and 46 boys from the general population (Mage=12.2, SD=2.9) as control groups. KS boys showed substantially elevated levels of ASD traits compared to the general population, but lower levels than ASD boys. In addition, difficulties regarding ToM and cognitive flexibility were more prominent in KS boys than in ASD boys compared to the general population. ToM task performance could partly be explained by spatial WM and attention switching (as autistic trait) could partly be explained by ToM skills in KS boys. The current study highlights the importance of attention modulation skills and ToM skills in social functioning of individuals with KS, providing promising insights regarding prevention and intervention. Future studies should focus on the effectiveness of enhancing EF skills in KS boys and the role of the X chromosome in vulnerability for autistic traits.Show less
