Relationship between temperament, character and the autistic trait in parents of children with autistic spectrum disorder

Abstract

Objective. Previous studies have revealed distinct features of autism, with higher harm avoidance and lower reward dependence and novelty seeking. It is assumed that high harm avoidance, and low novelty seeking, reward dependence, cooperativeness, and self-directedness are related with the broad autism phenotype, as seen in autistic individuals. Method. This study examined the association between the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), in parents of children with ASD. Result. There was significant correlation between total AQ and total harm avoidance, cooperativeness, and self-directedness (p < 0.05). In the stepwise analysis, self-directedness and education emerged significantly (F(2,67) = 19.71, p < .005). This model modestly explained 35% of variance (Adjusted R² = .350). Conclusion. Our findings suggest that self-directedness may be an autistic trait.

Key words::

• Temperament and character
• broad autism phenotype
• autism
• parent

Acknowledgements

The authors do not have any acknowledgements related to the development of the present investigation.

Statement of interest

The authors do not have any conflict of interest to report regarding this study.