The Self–Other Imbalance Hypothesis of Autism: An Empirical Investigation

Abstract

Background:

This study empirically tests whether an imbalance between self-compassion and compassion for others influences mental health outcomes in autistic and non-autistic adults. The main hypothesis is that autistic individuals, compared with non-autistic individuals, may exhibit a greater “self–other imbalance,” which is characterized by low self-compassion and particularly high compassion for others.

Methods:

This paper describes two empirical studies (N = 677 in Study 1, N = 404 in Study 2). Participants included autistic adults (N = 290 in Study 1, N = 201 in Study 2) and non-autistic adults (N = 387 in Study 1, N = 203 in Study 2). Participants completed demographic questions and measures of autistic traits, self-compassion, compassion for others, anxiety, and depression. Data were analyzed to identify patterns of self–other imbalance and its association with mental health symptoms.

Results:

Findings of this cross-sectional study indicate that autistic adults, particularly females, exhibit a high self–other imbalance. This tendency was associated with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression, independently predicted these symptoms, and mediated the relationship between autistic traits and anxiety/depression.

Conclusions:

This study is the first to investigate both self- and other-compassion in autistic people. Enhancing our understanding of compassion in autism can inform the development of targeted psychological interventions, potentially improving the mental health and quality of life of autistic people.

Community Brief

Why is this an important issue?

Research suggests compassion-based approaches could help support autistic people with their mental health. This article looks specifically at self-compassion and compassion for others, and how these factors may influence anxiety and depression.

What was the purpose of this study?

This study explores the way we divide our compassion between ourselves and others. The main idea is that when people allocate low levels of compassion toward oneself and high levels of compassion toward others, it can negatively affect their mental health. This study introduces the concept of self–other imbalance, the balance between compassion toward oneself and others, and explores how it can affect the mental health of autistic and non-autistic people. This study also looked at whether autistic adults are more likely to experience this imbalance compared with non-autistic people.

What did the researcher do?

Two studies explored whether an imbalance between self-compassion and compassion for others affects mental health in both autistic and non-autistic adults. The studies included both autistic and non-autistic adults, who answered questions about their self-compassion, compassion for others, autistic traits, anxiety, and depression. The data were then analyzed to see if self–other imbalance was linked to mental health symptoms.

What were the results of the study?

The results from the studies suggest that self–other imbalance is more common in autistic adults, particularly in autistic women, and this imbalance is linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression.

What do these findings add to what was already known?

Autistic adults display compassion tendencies that may inadvertently contribute to mental health challenges. If autistic people have a different compassion profile compared with neurotypical people, there is a need to recognize these patterns to develop autism-friendly interventions.

What are potential weaknesses in the study?

The study used self-report questionnaires, which may be subject to biases. Also, because the study collected data at one point in time, it is difficult to understand which factor is causing the other. To understand this better, future research would need to track these patterns over time. The study results may not apply broadly because the participants came from a limited group, with little diversity in factors such as sex and ethnicity.

How will these findings help autistic adults now or in the future?

Understanding how autistic people experience compassion can help researchers and therapists develop better support strategies. By recognizing the challenges autistic people face, future mental health treatments can be more targeted toward any specific challenges and needs, which can lead to more effective well-being support and improved mental health.