Differential Gender Effects in the Relationship between Perceived Immune Functioning and Autistic Traits

Marlou Mackus, Deborah De Kruijff, Leila S. Otten, Aletta D. Kraneveld, Johan Garssen and Joris C. Verster
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Marlou Mackus: Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
Deborah De Kruijff: Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
Leila S. Otten: Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
Aletta D. Kraneveld: Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
Johan Garssen: Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
Joris C. Verster: Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands

IJERPH, 2017, vol. 14, issue 4, 1-6

Abstract: Altered immune functioning has been demonstrated in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The current study explores the relationship between perceived immune functioning and experiencing ASD traits in healthy young adults. N = 410 students from Utrecht University completed a survey on immune functioning and autistic traits. In addition to a 1-item perceived immune functioning rating, the Immune Function Questionnaire (IFQ) was completed to assess perceived immune functioning. The Dutch translation of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) was completed to examine variation in autistic traits, including the domains “social insights and behavior”, “difficulties with change”, “communication”, “phantasy and imagination”, and “detail orientation”. The 1-item perceived immune functioning score did not significantly correlate with the total AQ score. However, a significant negative correlation was found between perceived immune functioning and the AQ subscale “difficulties with change” (r = ?0.119, p = 0.019). In women, 1-item perceived immune functioning correlated significantly with the AQ subscales “difficulties with change” (r = ?0.149, p = 0.029) and “communication” (r = ?0.145, p = 0.032). In men, none of the AQ subscales significantly correlated with 1-item perceived immune functioning. In conclusion, a modest relationship between perceived immune functioning and several autistic traits was found.

Keywords: autism; immune functioning; gender (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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