Examination of the Potential Moderating Role of Psychological Wellbeing in the Relationship Between Depression and Thoughts of Self-Harm in Autistic Adolescents and Adults: A Two-Year Longitudinal Study.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Autistic people have a significantly increased risk of death by suicide relative to the general population. In non-autistic samples, psychological wellbeing has been shown to moderate the relationship between depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior. Thoughts of self-harm may provide a useful indicator of suicidal risk. In this longitudinal study we examined (a) the potential role for psychological wellbeing to moderate the relationship between depressive symptoms and thoughts of self-harm and (b) the contribution of autistic traits to thoughts of self-harm.

Methods

Participants were 209 autistic adolescents and adults aged 15 to 80 years (M_age = 34.20, SD = 15.38 years).

Results

At both baseline and 2-year follow-up, 35% of participants report

SUBMITTER: Hedley D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12575448 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature