Anxiety Sensitivity Domains are Differently Affected by Social and Non-social Autistic Traits
Chiara Baiano, Gennaro Raimo, Isa Zappullo, Roberta Cecere, Barbara Rauso, Monica Positano, Massimiliano Conson, The LabNPEE Group, Lea Dell’ Aversana, Alessandro Di Rosa, Giovanna Esposito, Rosa Milo, Francesco Polito, Camilla Raimondo, Agnese Turco
Abstract
Anxiety sensitivity (AS) is implicated in the development and maintenance of several psychopathological conditions. Non-clinical individuals with high autistic traits may develop anxiety disorders and depressive symptoms. Here, we investigated the relationships of autistic traits with AS dimensions and depression, considering sex. We referred to the two-factor model of the autism spectrum quotient to distinguish social and non-social autistic traits and assessed 345 university students on AS and depression scales. Results showed that only social autistic traits predicted general AS and anxiety-related concerns regarding social and cognitive domains. The present results emphasize the need of assessing multiple domains of anxiety in individuals on the autistic spectrum, differentiating social and non-social traits.