@article{ref1,
title="Understanding depression and thoughts of self-harm in autism: A potential mechanism involving loneliness",
journal="Research in autism spectrum disorders",
year="2018",
author="Hedley, D. and Uljarević, M. and Wilmot, M. and Richdale, A. and Dissanayake, C.",
volume="46",
number="",
pages="1-7",
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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1750-9467",
doi="10.1016/j.rasd.2017.11.003",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2017.11.003"
}