Fani, Omidreza
(2024)
Cross-cultural differences in autistic traits and the level of psychological distress.
PhD thesis, University of Nottingham Malaysia.
Abstract
This thesis explores the intricate relationship between autism, cultural influences, and mental health outcomes, with a focus on cross-cultural variations in the perception of autistic traits and well-being of parents raising autistic children. Autism is characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviours, and its diagnosis relies on the interpretation of social behaviour, which is culturally influenced. Culture is shaping norms and beliefs about behaviours. Hence, the cultural lens potentially affects the interpretation of autistic traits, affecting diagnosis and support systems. The research aims to shed light on how different cultures perceive autistic traits, their understanding of autism, and the resulting impact on parental mental health. Four comprehensive studies are presented in this thesis, exploring cross-cultural disparities, investigating influential cultural factors, and understanding parental distress across different cultural contexts.
Study 1, in Chapter 2, examines distress and coping among university students. This study serves as the pilot study for study 4 in chapter 5. I conducted this study by using a more accessible sample with high levels of distress (i.e. university students) to explore the relationship between distress variables and coping strategies, and to improve the design of study 4 in chapter 5. Within this study, I investigated stress, anxiety, depression, coping strategies, and concerns, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results indicate that students experience a higher level of depression during the pandemic, and they use coping strategies, such as self-distraction, self-blame, and humour more often than before the pandemic.
Study 2, in Chapter 3, investigates whether culture affects the interpretation and reporting of autistic traits and how autism knowledge is associated with these relations. To do so, I investigate cross-cultural differences in self-reported autistic traits and the commonness of these traits in Iran, Malaysia, Morocco, and the Netherlands among non-autistic individuals. Additionally, I explored the relationship between (the commonness of) autistic traits and autism knowledge across these countries. The results indicate, consistent with previous studies, cross-cultural differences in both self-reported and commonness of autistic traits. Cross-cultural differences in reporting autistic traits show that cultural background might affect the interpretation of autistic traits.
The cross-cultural differences in reporting autistic traits lead to design and performing Study 3 in Chapter 4 in which I explored the relationship between cultural domains (masculinity, femininity, individualism, and collectivism) and self-reported autistic traits among students. The study uncovers that masculinity and femininity are negatively associated with self-reported autistic traits, whereas individualism is positively associated with self-reported autistic traits, highlighting how societal norms and cultural values may influence self-perception of autistic traits.
Study 4, in Chapter 5, focuses on parental distress, self-reported autistic traits, associative stigma, and coping strategies among parents of autistic children from Malaysia and the Netherlands. This study was informed by the results of my study on the relationship between distress and coping strategies among university students presented in Chapter 1. The research investigates the associations between these factors, considering both similarities and disparities between the two countries. The results illustrate models which demonstrate the unique dynamics of parental distress, coping strategies, and self-reported autistic traits within different cultural contexts.
Collectively, these studies contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between autism, culture, and mental health outcomes. The findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive diagnostic practices, tailored support systems, and inclusive attitudes toward autism globally. By unravelling the complexities of cultural influences on autism perception and parental well-being, this thesis offers valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers striving for more holistic and culturally competent approaches in the field of autism studies.
| Item Type: |
Thesis (University of Nottingham only)
(PhD)
|
| Supervisors: |
de Vries, Marieke
de Jonge, Maretha
Janssen, Steve |
| Keywords: |
autism, cultural influences, mental health outcomes, cross-cultural variations, autistic traits, parental well-being, social interaction |
| Subjects: |
B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology |
| Faculties/Schools: |
University of Nottingham, Malaysia > Faculty of Science and Engineering — Science > School of Psychology |
| Item ID: |
77896 |
| Depositing User: |
Fani, Omidreza
|
| Date Deposited: |
27 Jul 2024 04:40 |
| Last Modified: |
27 Jul 2024 04:40 |
| URI: |
https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/77896 |
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