Date of Award
8-1-2024
Language
English
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
College/School/Department
Department of Psychology
Dissertation/Thesis Chair
Kristin V Christodulu
Committee Members
Melissa L Rinaldi, Betty Lin
Keywords
autism, camouflaging, mental health, rumination, stigma
Subject Categories
Psychology
Abstract
A small body of evidence indicates autistic people experience stigma related to autism that predicts mental health outcomes. Among other stigmatized populations, use of emotion regulation process and strategies are mechanisms by which stigma leads to negative outcomes. However, these mechanisms have not yet been explored in relation to autism stigma. In a sample of autistic adults, the present study sought to evaluate whether rumination and camouflaging mediated the relationship between autism stigma and internalizing symptoms utilizing a brief longitudinal design. Participants completed measures of stigma, rumination, camouflaging, and internalizing symptoms at baseline, one month, and two month timepoints. Results did not support the mediating role of rumination or camouflaging and did not find a direct effect of autism stigma on mental health across a two month period. However, non-longitudinal relationships were found between increased autism stigma, increased rumination and camouflaging, and higher levels of internalizing symptoms. Results highlight the complex interplay of these variables and underscore the importance of studying autism stigma in relation to mental health. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Wilkinson, Emma, "Autism Stigma And Symptoms Of Anxiety And Depression: An Exploration Of Rumination And Camouflaging As Mediating Factors" (2024). Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024). 3377.
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/legacy-etd/3377