Investigating The Effects of Executive Functions and Social Cognition on the Relationship Between Autistic Traits and Mental Health
Abstract
The objective of this study is to analyze the effects of executive functions (EFs) and social-cognitive abilities on the associations between autistic traits and mental health indicators (depression, anxiety, and stress). Moreover, the study will produce online training modules for executive functions and social cognition, aimed at reducing the likelihood of adverse mental health outcomes in individuals with and without elevated autistic traits.
Therefore, four main hypotheses will be addressed:
1. Revealing the mediating role of executive functions (cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, and working memory) will help predict the association between autistic traits and mental health symptoms (anxiety, depression, and stress).
2. Revealing the mediating role of social cognitive skills (cognitive empathy and affective empathy) will help predict the association between autistic traits and mental health symptoms (anxiety, depression, and stress).
3. Online training in executive functions and social cognitive skills will help develop executive functions (working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility) and social cognitive skills (cognitive empathy and affective empathy) in the current sample.
4. Online training in executive functions and social cognitive skills will promote mental health by reducing distress, depression, and anxiety symptoms in the current sample.
Participants will be between the ages of 18-35 because previous findings indicate that the age of…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 178 participants or records.
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