Behavior Genetics Association 51st Annual Meeting Abstracts; Assortative mating for autistic traits, systemizing, and theory of mind

Richards, Gareth and Baron-Cohen, Simon and Stokes, Holly and Warrier, Varun and Shanhong, Luo and Dunbar, Robin and Jackson, Emily and Proctor, Hannah and Lee, Eva and Mellor, Ben and Davies, Jessica and Gee, Laura and Galvin, John (2021) Behavior Genetics Association 51st Annual Meeting Abstracts; Assortative mating for autistic traits, systemizing, and theory of mind. Behavior Genetics, 51. p. 736. ISSN 1573-3297

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Abstract

We aimed to test the hypothesis that quantitative traits associated with autism spectrum conditions are subject to assortative mating. Study 1 examined self-reported autistic traits (Autism Spectrum Quotient [AQ]), systemizing (Systemizing Quotient-Revised [SQ-R]) and empathizing (Empathy Quotient [EQ]), as well as behavioral measures related to socio-perceptual Theory of Mind (Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test [RMET]) and systemizing (Embedded Figures Task [EFT]). Variable-centered analyses revealed positive intra-couple correlations for AQ (r[102]=0.305, p=0.002), SQ-R (r[101]=0.263, p=0.007), RMET (r[53]=0.438, p<0.001) and EFT (r[56]=0.423, p<0.001), but not EQ (r[100]=-0.018, p=0.860). Further analysis suggested people pair with others more similar than chance (initial assortment) rather than become alike during a relationship (convergence), and that they seek out similar partners (active assortment) rather than pair with similar people due to social stratification (social homogamy). We next used couple- centered analyses to compare similarity scores between actual couples and the average of all other possible male/female pairings. Actual couples were again more similar for AQ (d=0.250 p=0.002), SQ-R (d=0.211, p=0.007), RMET (d=0.393, p=0.007) and EFT (d=0.365, p=0.006), but not EQ (d=-0.002, p=0.980). In Study 2, we replicated the intra- couple correlation (r[94]=0.284, p=0.005) and similarity (d=0.253, p=0.032) for socio- perceptual Theory of Mind (RMET). However, there was no assortment for socio- cognitive Theory of Mind (Stiller-Dunbar Stories Task) in either variable-centered (r[98]=0.048, p=0.635) or couple-centered (d=0.012, p=0.917) analyses. Random-effects meta-analysis (k=16, n=5,892) confirmed a significant intra-couple correlation for quantitative autistic traits, r=0.186, p<0.0001. These findings support the assortative mating theory of autism and should be considered when estimating heritability.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1007/s10519-021-10087-3
Dates:	Date Event 11 June 2021 Accepted 15 October 2021 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Assortative mating; Autism; Autistic traits; Systemizing; Theory of Mind
Subjects:	CAH04 - psychology > CAH04-01 - psychology > CAH04-01-01 - psychology (non-specific)
Divisions:	Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences > College of Psychology
Depositing User:	John Galvin
Date Deposited:	05 Jul 2021 13:40
Last Modified:	11 Jun 2024 13:03
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/11890

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