MEDIATING ROLE OF A FIELD OF STUDY IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BROAD AUTISM PHENOTYPE AND THE SENSE OF COHERENCE

Abstract

Recent studies reveal a growing number of individuals with the traits of broad autism phenotype who display communication problems and difficulties in establishing interpersonal relations. Studies suggest that BAP traits are more frequent in students of the sciences than in humanities students. Therefore, the present study aimed to establish the mediating role of a field of study in the relationship between BAP and the sense of coherence. The study included 168 students (90 females and 78 males) of science and humanities. We administered the AQ questionnaires (Autism -Spectrum Quotient, Baron-Cohen et al.,, 2001) for adults, the Sense of Coherence Questionnaire (SOC - 29, Antonovsky, 1987, 1993). The study confirmed that BAP traits are more expressed in students of science than in students of arts as well as in men than women. Also, relationships between the intensity of BAP traits and comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness were noted, but not between the total sense of coherence. Therefore, we concentrated on evaluating a mediating effect of the field of study and these three dimensions. The positive relationships between BAP meaningfulness and manageability suggest that the appropriate choice of the field of study plays a significant role in finding meaning in life and deve loping an ability to cope with emerging difficulties. Since the field of study is closely linked to the type of work, it might be assumed that the same role is played by a job that makes sense. It explains the frustration of brain-damaged patients at being unable to work. Clinical data show that giving such patients an oppor tunity to be active in any field restores their sense of meaning in life.