Summary of the Article
The article chosen for the summary and analysis is a quantitative study conducted by George and Stokes (2018) and published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. The article’s title is “A quantitative analysis of mental health among sexual and gender minority groups in ASD.” The study aimed to investigate the relationship between autistic spectrum disorder and mental health complications resulting from belonging to a minority group, namely sexual and gender minorities.
The study hypothesized that since people representing multiple minority groups are exposed to additive stressors, the increase in minority group membership (“an individual is a member of an increasing number of minority groups”) will lead to an increase in depression, anxiety, and stress (George & Stokes, 2018, p. 2054). The scholars recruited two groups of participants, namely 261 typically developing individuals (103 males and 158 females) and 309 individuals with autism (90 males, 219 females). The sample was ethnically diverse and highly educated, with no significant “differences between the individuals with and without an ASD” (George & Stokes, 2018, p. 2053). The research design used for the purposes of the study was a correlational study aimed at testing the relationship between variables of minority group belonging and mental health issues.
The method of data collection used in the study was testing using such tools as GIDYQ-AA for gender behavior assessment, DASS-21 for self-reported measurement of depression, anxiety, and stress, and Personal Wellbeing Index scale to measure the quality of life. The combination of t-test and ANOVA were used to conduct statistical analysis at different stages of the study. T-test was used at the primary stages to analyze demographic data about participants. ANOVA was used to find correlations between variables.
Participants who classified themselves as members of at least one of the three groups, namely non-heterosexual, having gender dysphoric traits, or having autistic spectrum disorder, were assigned the value of 1, 2, or 3 minority groups they belonged to. On the contrary, people who did not associate themselves with any groups were classified as “having no minority status” (George & Stokes, 2018, p. 2056). The study results showed a statistically significant relationship between the minority group affiliation status intensification with greater mental health damage. In other words, the more minority groups individuals belonged to, the higher the rate of depression, stress, and anxiety they experienced. Overall, minority groups “reported reduced mental health (depression, anxiety, stress, and personal wellbeing) compared to their non-minority group peers” (George & Stokes, 2018, p. 2055). Thus, the hypothesis assuming that the narrowing of minority group membership would result in mental health deterioration was proven.
Critical Analysis of the Article
The scope of the study and the number of variables considered by the researchers implies several opportunities for further research. In particular, the correlation between separate variables might be investigated more in-depth. For example, the correlation between ethnicity and mental health burden might be valuable for future research. Since ethnic minority group members also serves as a psychological stressor for individuals, this area might contribute to the scope of the discussed topic.
One of the limitations of the study that was not addressed in the article and might have adverse validity implications is the use of the tool for self-reported mental health issues. It might be more reliable to utilize an assessment tool that would yield more objective data combined with the self-reported tool results. Another limitation of the study is a narrow spectrum of mental health concerns viewed within one variable (depression, anxiety, and stress). It was identified in the study that individuals with autistic spectrum disorder exhibiting non-heterosexual identity are likely to experience suicidal inclinations. It might have been relevant to include suicidal thoughts or attempts as one of the variables in the study. As for the hypotheses, the study accurately addressed the general hypothesis of the research and diligently revealed all possible relationships between the variables. Such an approach allows for an in-depth understanding of the correlation between autism, gender, sexuality, and mental health burden.
Given the inclusion of individuals with an autistic spectrum disorder in all spheres of life within the inclusive systems, the relevance of the study cannot be overestimated. The findings vividly demonstrate that people with autism are likely to be members of other minority groups, which burden their psychological well-being significantly stronger than typically developing individuals. However, the study might exhibit a more practice-oriented recommendation for applying the findings by institutions to accommodate individuals with autism and help them cope with stress. In general, since the study produced a statistically significant result, the implications of the findings might be numerous. In particular, these findings might be useful for developing educational programs for youth with autism to help such individuals acknowledge the psychological burden and manage the complications on time. Moreover, in addition to the therapy program implementation addressed in the article, these findings might serve as a solid background for raising tolerance awareness about the increased mental health burden of socializing for people being members of multiple minority groups.
Reference
George, R., & Stokes, M. A. (2018). A quantitative analysis of mental health among sexual and gender minority groups in ASD. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48(6), 2052–2063. doi:10.1007/s10803-018-3469-1