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Emotion processing differences mediate the link between sex and autistic traits in young adulthood
Lucy A Livingston1,2, Lucy H Waldren3, Esther Walton3
1Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute Cardiff University Cardiff UK.
JCPP Advances
|July 11, 2023
Summary
Autism is diagnosed more often in males, partly due to differences in emotion processing. These differences mediate the link between sex and autistic traits, suggesting a potential compensatory role in females.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Sex Differences
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) shows a male preponderance in diagnoses.
- Psychological mechanisms, such as emotion processing, underlying this sex difference remain unclear.
- Research challenges include measurement invariance and clinical sample bias.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mediating role of emotion processing in the relationship between sex and autistic traits.
- To explore psychological mechanisms behind sex differences in autism prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Two cross-sectional studies involving 1656 young adults.
- Participants reported sex assigned at birth and completed questionnaires on emotion processing and autistic traits.
- Autism measures were validated for use across sexes.
Main Results:
- Emotion processing differences significantly mediated the association between sex and autistic traits.
- Male sex was linked to greater emotion processing differences, which correlated with higher autistic traits.
- A direct effect of sex on autistic traits persisted after controlling for emotion processing.
Conclusions:
- Emotion processing differences represent a potential psychological mechanism for higher male autism prevalence.
- These differences may have a compensatory function in females.
- Findings support sex-specific approaches in autism support and diagnosis.
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