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Show ASSESSMENT OF PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS, LONELINESS AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG ADULTS WITH ASD Aashild Renee Nilssen, Laura G. Holmes, M.S., Michael B. Himle, Ph.D. Department of Psychology Introduction Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have long been believed to lack interest in social relationships, such as friendships with peers or romantic relationships. However, recent research indicates that individuals with ASD are interested in pursuing friendships and romantic relationships, but may have a more difficult time succeeding due to their ASD symptoms (e.g., social and communication deficits; Lamport & Turner, 2014). When neurotypical individuals desire but are unable to initiate and maintain romantic relationships, they often report feeling lonely (Lamport & Turner, 2014). For neurotypical individuals, loneliness has been characterized as a chronic stressor, and has been linked to poor mental and physical health outcomes (e.g., depression, decreased immune functioning, and poor cardiovascular health; Cacioppo et al., 2015). Research indicates that adolescents and young adults with ASD report higher levels of loneliness and depression compared to their neurotypical peers (Whitehouse, 2009; Lasgaard et al, 2009), and there is evidence that this loneliness predicts increased depression, anxiety, and lower quality of life above and beyond the effect of ASD symptoms (Mazurek, 2014). Mazurek (2014) also found that adults with one close friendship reported significantly lower levels of loneliness than adults without a close friendship. Furthermore, high quality friendships and romantic relationships have been linked to positive mental and physical health outcomes for neurotypical individuals, including decreased morbidity and mortality and greater well-being and quality of life (Ramsey & Gentzler, 2015). The current study investigated potential links between romantic relationships, loneliness, and mental/physical health outcomes for adults with ASD and average or above cognitive functioning. Methods This study used a self-report questionnaire in order to investigate how romantic relationships are related to loneliness and health outcomes. In total, 180 participants aged 18-30 years (26.7% female, 69.4% male, 3.9% transgender) with self-reported ASD diagnoses were recruited through a pre-existing database offering support and research opportunities related to ASD. Links to the online survey were sent in emails to members of the Interactive Autism Network (IAN) member database. In order to qualify, the participant had to be able to complete the survey alone and have an average or above average IQ. The survey included questions about demographics and mental and physical health. The participants also completed the UCLA Loneliness Scale – 8 (UCLA), a brief 8-item self-report |
