Conceptual Intersections of Autistic Characteristics, Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors, and Personality in Autistic Youth: A Network Analysis.

Margo M J Dewitte, Ruth Van der Hallen, Peter Prinzie, Petra Warreyn, Sarah S W De Pauw

Abstract read

In one paragraph

Article in Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Margo M J DewitteDepartment of Special Needs Education, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000, Ghent, Belgium. Margo.Dewitte@UGent.be.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5370-1749

Ruth Van der HallenDepartment of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6899-4898

Peter PrinzieDepartment of Developmental, Personality, and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3441-7157

Petra WarreynDepartment of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8993-3090

Sarah S W De PauwDepartment of Special Needs Education, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4462-2755

Funding

Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds UGent BOF.DOC.2021.0080.01Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek 11F5122NFonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek G0DCB23N

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeThis study aimed to investigate the interrelations between autistic characteristics, internalizing and externalizing behaviors, and personality traits in autistic youth. While these psychological constructs are individually well-established, their simultaneous associations have not been comprehensively assessed.

methodsA sample of 434 parents of autistic children and adolescents (ages 6-18; M = 11.5 years, SD = 3.0; 69% boys) completed standardized questionnaires assessing their child's autistic characteristics (SRS-2, RBS-R), internalizing and externalizing behaviors (CBCL), and and Five Factor personality traits (HiPIC). Network analysis was employed to explore how the intersections of these constructs when assessed as a comprehensive system.

resultsResults showed clear associations between personality and both internalizing and externalizing problems in the network, suggesting personality and internalizing/externalizing are distinct yet related constructs. In contrast, core autistic characteristics appeared more distantly linked. Strong inverse associations emerged between Benevolence and Externalizing problems, and between Emotional Stability and Internalizing difficulties.

conclusionThese findings underscore the need for integrative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches addressing autistic, internalizing/externalizing, and personality-based behavior patterns. Such approaches may enhance individualized support and intervention planning by accounting for the complex interplay between these psychological domains.

Indexed as

AutismAutistic characteristicsInternalizing and externalizing behaviorsNetwork analysisPersonality

Identifiers

PMID41269650

DOI10.1037/0021-843x.103.1.18

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.