Trait Analysis via the Five Factor Model

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be analyzed through different applications to attempt to obtain a better understanding of why the disorder is associated with specific characteristics, vice versa. Significant contributions by prominent figures in personality psychology can help analyze ASD with different approaches and focuses. The Five Factor Model is one of the most common theories used to model personality psychology to help explain and understand the nature and basic dimensions of human behavior.

The Five Factor Model

Primarily developed by Robert McCrae and Paul Costa, the Factor Five Model is a factor-analytic trait approach (Cervone & Pervin, 2023). Its focus on five core broad personality dimensions allows a foundational and fundamental understanding of individual personality and the traits that distinguish people from one another. The key areas analyzed are: Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness. Together, these robust and general areas create a psychological framework that can be applied in various settings to understand personality, including counseling and workplace development. 

ASD Analyzed Through the Big Five

Structure

A structure in psychology refers to the stable traits that form an individual's thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Research by Lodi-Smith et al. (2019) indicated that individuals with autism tend to score lower in all five core assessed areas by the Big Five. Compared to neurotypical peers, people on the autism spectrum tend to socially withdraw more and struggle with empathy and heightened emotional reactivity, which is more likely caused by overstimulation in specific environments. 

Processes and Dynamics

In response to experiencing more neuroticism, or negative emotionality, than others, individuals with ASD might avoid specific populations and/or settings, which can contribute to routine-seeking and difficulty with change (Schwartzman et al., 2016). These unique dynamics and ongoing personality processes can negatively create a comfort that reinforces patterns of negative emotions such as anxiety, rigidity, and depression, all comorbid disorders to autism spectrum disorder (American Psychological Association [APA], 2020). 

Growth and Development 

As Mischel (1968) suggested, personality traits are not always fixed and can be shaped by external factors. With ample support, individuals with autism can conscientiously grow (such as in responsibility or organization) and develop cognitive flexibility and openness to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. Roberts et al. (2006) support a developmental approach that targets long-term personal growth.

Psychopathology and Therapeutic Change

Maladaptive behaviors, or patterns of behaviors that are ineffective and harmful, can be addressed through therapeutic change. Therapy can help individuals on the spectrum target comorbidities and manage core traits effectively to improve emotional regulation and create a social understanding (Lodi-Smith et al., 2019). 



References

  1. American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). 
  2. Cervone, D., & Pervin, L. A. (2023). Personality: Theory and research (15th ed.). Wiley.
  3. Lodi-Smith, J., Rodgers, J. D., Cunningham, S. A., Lopata, C., & Thomeer, M. L. (2019). Meta-analysis of Big Five personality traits in autism spectrum disorder. Autism, 23(3), 556-565. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361318766571
  4. Mischel, W. (1968). Personality and assessment. Wiley.
  5. Roberts, B. W., Walton, K. E., & Viechtbauer, W. (2006). Patterns of mean-level change in personality traits across the life course: A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Psychological Bulletin, 132(1). https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.132.1.1
  6. Schwartzman, B. C., Wood, J. J., & Kapp, S. K. (2016). Can the five factor model of personality account for the variability of autism symptom expression? Multivariate approaches to behavioral phenotyping in adult autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46, 253-272. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2571-x

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