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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Elizabeth EvansORCiD, Dr Gareth RichardsORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Previous research has shown a positive correlation between autistic traits and eating disor- der 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) com- pleted the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) and Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS). Positive correla- tions 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.
Author(s): Galvin J, Evans EH, Talbot CV, Wilson C, Richards G
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: PLoS ONE
Year: 2022
Volume: 17
Issue: 10
Pages: e0276249
Online publication date: 17/10/2022
Acceptance date: 03/10/2022
Date deposited: 17/10/2022
ISSN (electronic): 1932-6203
Publisher: Public Library of Science
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276249
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