Purpose <p>This study aimed to investigate the interrelations between autistic characteristics, internalizing and externalizing behaviors, and personality traits in autistic youth. While these psychological constructs are individually well-established, their simultaneous associations have not been comprehensively assessed.</p> Methods <p>A sample of 434 parents of autistic children and adolescents (ages 6–18; <i>M</i> = 11.5 years, <i>SD</i> = 3.0; 69% boys) completed standardized questionnaires assessing their child’s autistic characteristics (SRS-2, RBS-R), internalizing and externalizing behaviors (CBCL), and and Five Factor personality traits (H<i>i</i>PIC). Network analysis was employed to explore how the intersections of these constructs when assessed as a comprehensive system.</p> Results <p>Results showed clear associations between personality and both internalizing and externalizing problems in the network, suggesting personality and internalizing/externalizing are distinct yet related constructs. In contrast, core autistic characteristics appeared more distantly linked. Strong inverse associations emerged between Benevolence and Externalizing problems, and between Emotional Stability and Internalizing difficulties.</p> Conclusion <p>These findings underscore the need for integrative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches addressing autistic, internalizing/externalizing, and personality-based behavior patterns. Such approaches may enhance individualized support and intervention planning by accounting for the complex interplay between these psychological domains.</p>

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Conceptual Intersections of Autistic Characteristics, Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors, and Personality in Autistic Youth: A Network Analysis

  • Margo M. J. Dewitte,
  • Ruth Van der Hallen,
  • Peter Prinzie,
  • Petra Warreyn,
  • Sarah S. W. De Pauw

摘要

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the interrelations between autistic characteristics, internalizing and externalizing behaviors, and personality traits in autistic youth. While these psychological constructs are individually well-established, their simultaneous associations have not been comprehensively assessed.

Methods

A sample of 434 parents of autistic children and adolescents (ages 6–18; M = 11.5 years, SD = 3.0; 69% boys) completed standardized questionnaires assessing their child’s autistic characteristics (SRS-2, RBS-R), internalizing and externalizing behaviors (CBCL), and and Five Factor personality traits (HiPIC). Network analysis was employed to explore how the intersections of these constructs when assessed as a comprehensive system.

Results

Results showed clear associations between personality and both internalizing and externalizing problems in the network, suggesting personality and internalizing/externalizing are distinct yet related constructs. In contrast, core autistic characteristics appeared more distantly linked. Strong inverse associations emerged between Benevolence and Externalizing problems, and between Emotional Stability and Internalizing difficulties.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the need for integrative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches addressing autistic, internalizing/externalizing, and personality-based behavior patterns. Such approaches may enhance individualized support and intervention planning by accounting for the complex interplay between these psychological domains.