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Mirabel K. Pelton, Hayley Crawford, Kim Bul, Ashley E. Robertson, Jon Adams, Derek de Beurs, Jacqui Rodgers, Simon Baron‐Cohen, et al.
(2023).
The role of anxiety and depression in suicidal thoughts for autistic and non‐autistic people: A theory‐driven network analysis.
Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 53(3), 426-442.
Wiley.
- Publication date
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28 Mar 2023
- Identifier
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10.1111/sltb.12954
- Authors
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Mirabel K. Pelton,
Hayley Crawford,
Kim Bul,
Ashley E. Robertson,
Jon Adams,
Derek de Beurs,
Jacqui Rodgers,
Simon Baron‐Cohen,
Sarah Cassidy
- Source
- Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior
- Details
- 53(3), 426-442
- Reference type
- article
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Metadata source
- crossref
Abstract
Abstract Background Autistic adults experience more frequent suicidal thoughts and mental health difficulties than non‐autistic adults, but research has yet to explain how these experiences are connected. This study explored how anxiety and depression contribute to suicidal thoughts according to the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide for autistic and non‐autistic adults. Methods Participants (autistic adults n = 463, 61% female; non‐autistic n = 342, 64% female) completed online measures of anxiety, depression, thwarted belonging, and perceived burdensomeness. Network analysis explored whether: (i) being autistic is a risk marker for suicide; and (ii) pathways to suicidal thoughts are consistent for autistic and non‐autistic adults. Results Being autistic connected closely with feeling like an outsider, anxiety, and movement, which connected to suicidal thoughts through somatic experiences, low mood, and burdensomeness. Networks were largely consistent for autistic and non‐autistic people, but connections from mood symptoms to somatic and thwarted belonging experiences were absent for autistic adults. Conclusion Autistic people experience more life stressors than non‐autistic people leading to reduced coping, low mood, and suicidal thoughts. Promoting belonging, reducing anxiety, and understanding the role of movement could inform suicide prevention for autistic people. Research should accurately capture autistic lived experience when modeling suicide to ensure suicide prevention meets autistic needs.
Study authors in this cited reference