Context-dependent basic and moral emotions in adults with autism

Abstract

While social communication and interaction deficits are inherent in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the evidence regarding difficulties in basic and moral emotion recognition remains inconclusive. Previous research has predominantly focused on the recognition of basic emotions, using stimuli that lack context and overlooking the influence of alexithymia and interoceptive awareness traits. This study sought to investigate the recognition of contextualized basic and moral emotions, as well as the subjective experience of the second ones in adults with ASD (n = 32) and neurotypical peers (n = 33). We also examined its relationship with alexithymia and interoceptive awareness traits. Basic emotion recognition was assessed using a task incorporating facial and body cues in congruent and incongruent contexts. In addition, we used a modified version of the Moral Sentiment Task to examine recognition and subjective experience of self-conscious (guilt and embarrassment) and other-oriented (pity and indignation) moral emotions. Self-report scales were used to collect data on alexithymia and interoceptive awareness traits. Adults with ASD exhibited lower performance in recognizing contextual basic and moral emotions compared to neurotypical individuals. However, neither alexithymia traits nor interoceptive awareness were associated with the recognition of contextual basic or moral emotions. These findings contribute to a better understanding of social deficits in ASD, highlighting the potential benefit of developing new diagnostic assessments and non-pharmacological intervention targets.