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Evidence of partner similarity for autistic traits, systemizing, and theory of mind via facial expressions

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dc.contributor.authorRichards, Gareth
dc.contributor.authorBaron-Cohen, Simon
dc.contributor.authorWarrier, Varun
dc.contributor.authorMellor, Ben
dc.contributor.authorDavies, Jessica
dc.contributor.authorGee, Laura
dc.contributor.authorGalvin, John
dc.contributor.orcidBaron-Cohen, Simon [0000-0001-9217-2544]
dc.date.accessioned2022-05-19T15:00:26Z
dc.date.available2022-05-19T15:00:26Z
dc.date.issued2022-05-19
dc.date.submitted2021-02-15
dc.date.updated2022-05-19T15:00:25Z
dc.descriptionFunder: Autism Research Trust
dc.descriptionFunder: Autistica; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100008161
dc.descriptionFunder: Medical Research Council; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000265
dc.descriptionFunder: Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100018956
dc.descriptionFunder: 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
dc.descriptionFunder: Templeton World Charity Foundation; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100011730
dc.description.abstractAbstract: 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.
dc.identifier.doi10.17863/CAM.84721
dc.identifier.eissn2045-2322
dc.identifier.others41598-022-11592-z
dc.identifier.other11592
dc.identifier.urihttps://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/337308
dc.languageen
dc.publisherNature Publishing Group UK
dc.subjectArticle
dc.subject/631/477/2811
dc.subject/631/477
dc.subjectarticle
dc.titleEvidence of partner similarity for autistic traits, systemizing, and theory of mind via facial expressions
dc.typeArticle
dcterms.dateAccepted2022-03-17
prism.issueIdentifier1
prism.publicationNameScientific Reports
prism.volume12
pubs.funder-project-idBirmingham City University (ML/ZM/GP)
pubs.funder-project-idWellcome Trust (214322\Z\18\Z)
pubs.funder-project-idInnovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking (777394.)
rioxxterms.licenseref.urihttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
rioxxterms.versionVoR
rioxxterms.versionofrecord10.1038/s41598-022-11592-z

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