Associations between the broad autism phenotype, adult attachment, and relationship satisfaction among emerging adults

Abstract

Traits comprising the broad autism phenotype (aloof personality, pragmatic language deficits, and rigid personality) have been linked to difficulty forming and maintaining close relationships, as well as attachment insecurity. The present study examined how the three individual broad autism phenotype traits were associated with emerging adults' romantic relationship satisfaction via attachment anxiety and avoidance. Results of a parallel mediation model revealed that aloof personality was associated with lower relationship satisfaction via anxiety and avoidance, pragmatic language was associated with lower relationship satisfaction via avoidance, and rigidity was associated with lower relationship satisfaction via anxiety. In conclusion, individuals high in BAP may be at risk for lower relationship satisfaction as a result of higher attachment insecurity.