Relationship between autistic traits and depression among married couples

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between autistic traits and depression among 172 married couples, which we hypothesized was mediated by perceived quality of marital relationship and marital satisfaction. The data was analyzed by multilevel structural equation modeling (SEM) with a particular focus on the individual and dyadic levels. The results indicated that autistic traits were negatively correlated with approval from spouse and marital satisfaction, whereas low marital satisfaction was positively correlated with depression at the individual level. Because the hypothesis was not supported at the dyadic level, we examined the effects of autistic traits on one’s own and their spouse’s marital relationship, using the Actor Partner Interdependence Model. The results showed that a husband’s autistic traits predicted his spouse’s perceived high number of conflicts with the husband.