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The associations between autistic traits and disordered eating/drive for muscularity are independent of anxiety and depression in females but not males.

Galvin, J., Evans, E. H, Talbot, C. V., Wilson, C. and Richards, G., 2022. The associations between autistic traits and disordered eating/drive for muscularity are independent of anxiety and depression in females but not males. PLoS One, 17 (10), e0276249.

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DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276249

Abstract

Previous research has shown a positive correlation between autistic traits and eating disorder symptoms, and this relationship appears to be independent of co-occurring mental health status. The current study followed a pre-registered analysis plan with the aim to investigate a previously unconsidered factor in the relationship between autistic traits and disorders of eating and body image: the drive for muscularity. Participants (N = 1068) completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) and Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS). Positive correlations between AQ and EAT-26 and AQ and DMS were observed. In females, AQ remained significantly correlated with EAT-26 and DMS when controlling for co-occurring anxiety and depression symptoms, but this was not the case in males. These findings demonstrate the moderating role of sex, and the need to consider autistic traits in individuals diagnosed with, or at a heightened risk for, disorders of eating and body image.

Item Type:Article
ISSN:1932-6203
Uncontrolled Keywords:Autistic Traits; Disordered Eating; Drive for Muscularity; Anxiety; Depression
Group:Faculty of Science & Technology
ID Code:37644
Deposited By: Symplectic RT2
Deposited On:12 Oct 2022 08:49
Last Modified:28 Oct 2022 07:49

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