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. 2022 Jun 13;10(1):148.
doi: 10.1186/s40359-022-00854-0.

Mediating role of sensory differences in the relationship between autistic traits and internalizing problems

Yurika Tsuji  1 , Satoko Matsumoto  2 , Aya Saito  3 , Shu Imaizumi  2 , Yoko Yamazaki  2 , Tetsuyuki Kobayashi  3 , Yoko Fujiwara  3   4 , Mika Omori  3   5 , Masumi Sugawara  6
Affiliations

Mediating role of sensory differences in the relationship between autistic traits and internalizing problems

Yurika Tsuji et al. BMC Psychol. .

Abstract

Background: Sensory differences are related to the autistic traits, and previous studies have shown a positive correlation between sensory differences and internalizing problems. In this study, we hypothesized that sensory differences and suffering due to sensory differences mediates the relationships between autistic traits and internalizing problems.

Methods: A total of 346 female Japanese university students completed questionnaires regarding their autistic traits, suffering due to sensory differences, and internalizing problems. Moreover, 114 participants completed a questionnaire related to sensory differences.

Results: Autistic traits were correlated with Low Registration and Sensation Avoiding. These sensory differences were also correlated with suffering due to sensory differences and internalizing problems. Moreover, path analysis indicated that the higher the suffering due to Low Registration and Sensation Avoiding was, the greater the internalizing problems in those who showed these sensory differences.

Conclusions: Female university students with serious suffering due to sensory differences may need support in managing their suffering and internalizing problems. Further research will help suggest support that these people require, at school and elsewhere.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Internalizing problems; Sensory differences; Sensory profile; Suffering.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The results of CFA of suffering due to sensory differences. The model provided an acceptable fit to the data (χ.2 (11) = 28.20, p = .00, GFI = .98, AGFI = .95, CFI = .97, RMSEA = .07)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Structural model of autistic traits, sensory differences, suffering due to sensory differences, and internalizing problems. The model provided a good fit to the data (χ2 (2) = 2.57, p = .28, GFI = .99, AGFI = .94, CFI = .99, RMSEA = .05). *p < .05, **p < .01, ***p < .001
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