Abstract
The broader autism phenotype (BAP) is a subclinical behavioral phenotype that is qualitatively similar to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Research on the BAP has used different conceptualizations of this construct. To more closely approximate the nature of the BAP, the current study utilized traditional construct validation methods to identify the BAP structure and characterize its nomological net in undergraduates. A conjoint exploratory factor analysis of the scales from three self-report measures of the construct was used to derive three robust BAP dimensions reflecting pragmatic language difficulties, aloofness, and rigidity. These dimensions were then correlated with theoretically-relevant personality, psychopathology, and interest variables in order to evaluate the criterion validity of the BAP. Correlations were generally consistent with our predictions and showed strongest relations between BAP dimensions and poor communication skills, impaired social functioning, and behavioral and cognitive rigidity. This research represents a first step in the identification and utilization of a common conceptualization of the BAP.
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Notes
In order to make the correlations more interpretable, Aloofness was re-coded by multiplying by −1
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Appendix
Appendix
Items with Strong and Unique Loadings on Factors Extracted from Independent Exploratory Factor Analyses
Autism Spectrum Quotient
Social Skills (11, 13, 15, 17, 22, 26, 38, 44, 47); Communication (7, 18, 19, 20, 21, 35, 39, 41, 45); Memory (29,49); Imagination (3, 5, 8, 12, 14, 16, 27, 36, 40, 50); Rigidity (2, 25, 43, 46)
Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire
Social Interest (1, 9, 12, 16, 23, 25, 28, 31, 34, 36); Rigidity (3, 6, 8, 13, 15, 22, 24, 20, 33, 35); Pragmatic Language (2, 4, 10, 14, 17, 20, 29, 32)
Social Responsiveness Scale-Adult
Social Eccentricity (2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 13, 14, 19, 20, 28, 29, 30, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 41, 42, 44, 46, 47, 49, 50, 51, 53, 54, 56, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 65); Interpersonal Awareness (7, 15, 17, 22, 26, 32, 38, 40, 48, 52, 55); Social Avoidance (1, 3, 6, 11, 18, 23, 27, 43)
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Wainer, A.L., Ingersoll, B.R. & Hopwood, C.J. The Structure and Nature of the Broader Autism Phenotype in a Non-clinical Sample. J Psychopathol Behav Assess 33, 459–469 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10862-011-9259-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10862-011-9259-0