Reactions to ostracism in adolescents with autism spectrum conditions

J Autism Dev Disord. 2009 Aug;39(8):1122-30. doi: 10.1007/s10803-009-0725-4. Epub 2009 Mar 28.

Abstract

Little is known about how adolescents with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) experience the initial impact of ostracism. This study investigated whether a mild, short-term episode of experimentally induced ostracism (Cyberball) would affect self-reported anxiety, mood, and the extent to which four social needs (self-esteem, belonging, control and meaningful existence) were threatened in adolescents with ASC and matched controls. Anxiety and the four needs were negatively affected by ostracism in both groups. However, ostracism did not modulate mood in the ASC group, and a number of possible interpretations of this group difference are discussed. In general, the results of this study suggest that normative models of ostracism are applicable to ASC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Affect
  • Anxiety Disorders / diagnosis
  • Anxiety Disorders / epidemiology
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology
  • Attitude*
  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Autistic Disorder / epidemiology
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology*
  • Female
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Self Concept
  • Social Behavior*
  • Social Desirability*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires