IS SOCIAL ANXIETY ALWAYS «SOCIAL»? AN INVESTIGATION OF PERSONALITY COGNITIVE AND AUTISTIC FACTORS

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Social anxiety (SA) disorder is prevalent, but its overlap with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) requires clarification.
• Understanding the interplay of personality, cognitive, and autistic traits in SA is crucial for adults.
• This study investigates how autistic features influence the development and manifestation of SA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the contribution of personality, cognitive, and autistic traits to SA in adults.
• To differentiate the factors predicting SA in individuals with and without significant autistic traits.
• To inform diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for individuals with co-occurring SA and ASD features.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 72 adults (aged 18+) with varying levels of SA and autistic traits was recruited.
• Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing social anxiety, personality, cognitive styles, autism traits, self-regulation, and emotional intelligence.
• Statistical analyses, including t-tests and regression analyses, were employed to compare groups and identify predictors.

Main Results:

• No overall SA differences were found between high SA/low autistic trait and high SA/high autistic trait groups.
• Individuals with higher autistic traits reported more anxiety in situations requiring initiative and observation.
• Distinct personality profiles and predictive factors for SA were identified for each group, with autistic traits significantly influencing these predictors.

Conclusions:

• Personality and cognitive predictors of SA are contingent upon the presence of autistic traits.
• A tailored diagnostic and therapeutic approach is necessary for individuals presenting with both SA and autistic features.
• Longitudinal studies are recommended to establish causal relationships between the investigated variables.