Citation

Hedley D, Uljarević M, Wilmot M, Richdale A, Dissanayake C. Res. Autism Spectr. Disord. 2018; 46: 1-7.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.rasd.2017.11.003

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Background Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are at increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior. This study characterized the inter-relationships between loneliness, depression and thoughts of self-harm in adults with ASD.

METHOD Participants were 71 adults with ASD who completed questionnaires that provided information on loneliness, depression and thoughts of self-harm. Relationships between study variables were examined with correlations and a regression analysis. Two exploratory mediation models were then explored. Model 1 tested whether the relationship between depression and thoughts of self-harm was mediated through loneliness. Model 2 tested whether loneliness acted on thoughts of self-harm through depression.

RESULTS Twenty-six percent of participants met the clinical cut-off for depression and 21% reported thoughts of self-harm. Depressive symptoms, loneliness, and thoughts of self-harm were significantly correlated. Only Model 2, that identified an indirect pathway from loneliness, through depression to thoughts of self-harm, was supported. The mediator for this model accounted for 56.7% of the total effect.

CONCLUSIONS This study examined potential mechanisms underlying depression and thoughts of self-harm in ASD. These results highlight a possible contribution of loneliness to depression and thoughts of self-harm, suggesting treatment options that target loneliness may prove beneficial in improving mental health outcomes in ASD. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd

Language: en

Keywords

adolescent; Risk factors; adult; Adults; human; Risk; Depression; Suicide; female; male; autism; depression; Loneliness; Self-harm; loneliness; Autism spectrum disorder; major clinical study; questionnaire; automutilation; priority journal; thinking; Article; path analysis