ASD traits and Gender Dysphoria mediated by cognitive rigidity.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Does cognitive rigidity mediate the relationship between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) traits and gender-related wellbeing in adolescents?
IRAS ID
270246
Contact name
Anna Byrne-Smith
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Canterbury Christ Church University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
There is a significant body of evidence linking gender dysphoria (GD) and autism spectrum conditions (ASC), with studies suggesting that prevalence rates of ASD among young people referred to GD clinics are up to 10 times higher than that in the general population (de Vries et al, 2010, Jones et al, 2010, Paterski et al, 2014).
Many authors in this field have hypothesised potential factors underlying this frequent co-occurrence, including biological, social and psychological theories. One psychological theory that has been put forwards is that the cognitive rigidity that frequently occurs in autism spectrum conditions (ASC) may be a significant factor in these children presenting at gender dysphonia clinics (de Vries et al, 2010; Jacobs et al, 2014). These authors suggest that a lack of cognitive flexibility may extend to a lack of flexibility around gender, resulting in greater difficulty in managing gender variant feelings. A difficulty in managing gender variant feelings might then result in a higher likelihood of presentation at gender dyphoria clinics.This study aims to examine this hypothesis through the use of questionnaires designed to capture these concepts. The relationship between cognitive rigidity, gender identity and related wellbeing will be examined using 14-18 year old young people attending NHS mental health services.
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/0482
Date of REC Opinion
28 Apr 2020
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion