Higher levels of autistic traits associated with lower levels of self-efficacy and wellbeing for performing arts professionals

PLoS One. 2021 Feb 17;16(2):e0246423. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246423. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

This study sought for the first time to identify the extent to which autistic people are pursuing careers in the performing arts, and to determine the nature of the relationship between individuals' autistic traits and their reported wellbeing. To address these aims, we recruited a self-selecting, community-based sample of individuals working in the performing arts and invited them to complete an online survey. A total of 1,427 respondents took part. We collected responses on participants' backgrounds, including diagnostic history as well as measures assessing their level of autistic traits, perceived occupational self-efficacy, quality of life, and mental health. They were also asked open-ended questions about support needed, received, or desired in their workplace. Eleven of the 1,427 professionals (1%) reported a clinical diagnosis of autism. Correlational analyses demonstrated that higher levels of autistic traits were significantly associated with lower levels of quality of life, lower levels of occupational self-efficacy and greater severity of mental health conditions. Almost half the sample of professionals (N = 621; 44%) reported a desire for more employment-based support, and autistic traits were significantly higher in those participants who wanted greater support. Within the community of those working in the performing arts, there are a minority of individuals who are autistic or who have high levels of autistic traits. We have demonstrated for the first time that these individuals may be especially vulnerable to lower wellbeing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Art
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology*
  • Dancing
  • Employment
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health*
  • Middle Aged
  • Music
  • Quality of Life*
  • Self Efficacy*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United Kingdom
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

This research was supported by a PhD studentship awarded to EB funded by RADA-in-Business and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). https://esrc.ukri.org/https://www.radabusiness.com/ The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.