Evidence of partner similarity for autistic traits, systemizing, and theory of mind via facial expressions
Authors
Richards, Gareth
Warrier, Varun
Mellor, Ben
Davies, Jessica
Gee, Laura
Galvin, John
Publication Date
2022-05-19Journal Title
Scientific Reports
Publisher
Nature Publishing Group UK
Volume
12
Issue
1
Language
en
Type
Article
This Version
VoR
Metadata
Show full item recordCitation
Richards, G., Baron-Cohen, S., Warrier, V., Mellor, B., Davies, J., Gee, L., & Galvin, J. (2022). Evidence of partner similarity for autistic traits, systemizing, and theory of mind via facial expressions. Scientific Reports, 12 (1) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-11592-z
Description
Funder: Autism Research Trust
Funder: Autistica; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100008161
Funder: Medical Research Council; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000265
Funder: Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100018956
Funder: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care East of England at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
Funder: Templeton World Charity Foundation; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100011730
Abstract
Abstract: It has been hypothesised that romantic partners are more similar than chance in relation to autistic traits. To test this theory, we recruited n = 105 heterosexual couples and examined within-couple correlations for autistic traits [measured using the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)], empathizing [measured using the Empathy Quotient (EQ)], and systemizing [measured using the Systemizing Quotient-Revised (SQ-R)]. For a subsample that attended the lab (n = 58 couples), we also investigated theory of mind via facial expressions using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) and attention to detail, a component within systemizing, using the Embedded Figures Task (EFT). Variable-centred analyses revealed positive within-couple correlations for all measures except EQ, although these effects were only statistically significant for unmarried couples and not for married/engaged couples. Follow-up analyses indicated that the observed couple similarity effects are likely consistent with people pairing with those more similar than chance (initial assortment) rather than becoming alike over time (convergence), and to seeking out self-resembling partners (active assortment) rather than pairing in this manner via social stratification processes (social homogamy). Additionally, a significant within-couple correlation for autistic traits was observed at the meta-analytic level. However, it should be noted that the meta-analytic effect size estimate was small (r = 0.153) and indicates that only ~ 2% of variance in a person’s score on a phenotypic measure of autistic traits can be predicted by that of their partner.
Keywords
Article, /631/477/2811, /631/477, article
Sponsorship
Birmingham City University (ML/ZM/GP)
Wellcome Trust (214322\Z\18\Z)
Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking (777394.)
Identifiers
s41598-022-11592-z, 11592
External DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-11592-z
This record's URL: https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/337308
Rights
Licence:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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