Abstract
Objective
This study employed network analysis to characterize central autism spectrum disorder (ASD) traits and suicide symptoms within an active duty military sample as well as to identify symptoms that may bridge between ASD traits and suicidality (i.e., suicidal ideation and behaviors).
Method
Participants were active duty U.S. military service members (N = 287). Autism spectrum traits, suicidality, depression, and suicide related constructs were assessed online via self-report.
Results
Within the combined ASD trait-suicidality network, suicide rumination, suicide behaviors, and depression had the highest strength centrality. The most central bridge symptoms between ASD and suicidality were thwarted belongingness, social skills deficits, and depressive symptoms.
Conclusions
Social skills deficits and thwarted belongingness may function as a meaningful bridge between ASD symptoms and suicidality within active duty members. Individuals with ASD symptoms who additionally present with high levels of thwarted belongingness and/or considerable social skills deficits may be at increased risk for suicidality.
Within an ASD-suicidality network, social skills deficits, low belonging, and depression had the greatest bridge strength.
Although low belonging emerged as a bridge symptom, perceived burdensomeness did not.
Suicide rumination, suicide behaviors, and depression were the most central symptom in an ASD-suicidality network.
Symptoms related to social skills deficits may connect ASD traits and suicidality.
HIGHLIGHTS
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Funding
Notes on contributors
April R. Smith
April R. Smith, Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
Rowan A. Hunt
Rowan A. Hunt, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
William Grunewald
William Grunewald, Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
Min Eun Jeon
Min Eun Jeon, Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
Ian H. Stanley
Ian H. Stanley, Division, Psychology, VA Puget Sound HCS Seattle, Seattle, WA, USA.
Cheri A. Levinson
Cheri A. Levinson, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
Thomas E. Joiner
Thomas E. Joiner, Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.