Hög stress, låg självkänsla och psykisk ohälsa, samt begränsad coping bland vuxna personer med autismspektrumtillstånd

Abstract

Mental health difficulties like anxiety and depression are highly prevalent among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of the study was to examine the effects of stress, self-esteem and coping strategies on mental health difficulties. The ASD group consisted of 123 individuals and 115 persons without diagnoses. According to the independet t-test, people within ASD had statistically significantly higher degrees of both anxiety and depression Both groups had elevated levels of anxiety. The ASD group had also elevated degrees of depression. Social venting was a preventive factor against developing depression in both groups. The ASD group had lower self-esteem and higher perceived stress compared to the control group. The ASD group had statistically significantly higher levels of affective coping and denial. The ASD group had also less degrees of problem solving and positive reinterpretation compared to the control group.