Abstract
The Integrated self-categorization model of autism (ISCA) argues that a self-categorization dysfunction could be the link between some of the disparate features of ASD. To the extent that this is true, any social psychological phenomena arising from self-categorization should be impaired in autistic people. Based on this premise, we investigated whether ingroup favouritism within the minimal group paradigm is reduced to the extent that individuals possess autistic traits. Results indicated that participants with a high proportion of autistic traits showed less ingroup favouritism, and that this was due to a decreased tendency for self-categorization. By providing evidence of the disruption of self-categorization in ASD, these findings lend support to ISCA and raise important issues for existing accounts of the disorder.
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Notes
MIP occurs when a participant allocates the highest number of points to the ingroup member. MD occurs when the participant allocates points in such a way as to maximise the difference in points in favour of the ingroup. MJP occurs when a participant allocates the highest total number of points across both recipients. F occurs when ingroup and outgroup recipients are allocated an equal number of points. Where MIP and MD are pitted against each other, MIP is indicative of absolute ingroup favouritism and MD of relative ingroup favouritism.
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This research was supported by the Australian Research Council (Grant No. FLFL110100199) and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (Social Interactions Identity and Well-Being Program).
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DPS and SAH conceived of the idea of the study reported in the paper, with significant input from KB in the study design phase of the project. KB analysed the data with help from DPS. KB wrote the first draft of the paper with significant input from SAH. DPS was responsible for the final draft of the paper, with input from KB and SAH.
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Bertschy, K., Skorich, D.P. & Haslam, S.A. Self-categorization and Autism: Exploring the Relationship Between Autistic Traits and Ingroup Favouritism in the Minimal Group Paradigm. J Autism Dev Disord 50, 3296–3311 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04149-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04149-z