Is the link between autistic traits and ability to succeed in science independent of other psychopathological dimensions?

Abstract

IntroductionBesides the well-established link between autistic traits and scientific skills, the role of personality in students involved in science has not been thoroughly examined. ObjectiveThis study aimed at reexamining the link between scientific aptitudes and personality, by considering autistic features and other psychopathological dimensions. MethodTwo hundred and ninety-four individuals from French scientific universities answered questionnaires assessing autistic, schizotypal and bipolar dimensions, as well as depressive symptomatology and other variables. ResultsA cluster analysis led to the identification of 4 different groups, among which a cluster was characterized by high scores in autistic, schizotypal and bipolar dimensions. This group, representing nearly 30% of the sample, displayed higher level of depression symptoms (M=28.5, SD=12.0) in comparison with other groups (M=11.7 to 19.1, SD=5.4 to 9.2). Moreover, the suicidal ideation score was much more important in this cluster (M=1.6, SD=2.3) than in the three other groups (M=0.1 to 0.5, SD=0.3 to 1.3). This suggested that autistic features, when associated with other personality traits, interfere negatively with the ability of individuals to succeed in science studies, which was partly confirmed by comparing the academic level and results of the different clusters. ConclusionOne may reconsider the link between elevated autistic traits and the ability to accomplish science studies, considering that autistic features are thus frequently associated with other psychopathological traits which may, altogether, lead to depression or other comorbidities negatively interfering with the accomplishment of an academic cursus.