Abstract
Background
Previous research has identified an association between masking and mental health for autistic people. However, the direction of causality and mechanisms involved in this relationship are not well understood. This qualitative study aimed to investigate autistic teenagers’ experiences of masking, mental health and how the two develop and interact.
Methods
Twenty autistic teenagers took part in a semi-structured interview. The interviews were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis.
Results
From the analysis, one theme was identified to conceptualise masking as described by participants. Five more inter-related themes were identified, each involved both in the relationship between masking and mental health and conversely in the relationship between authenticity and mental health. Participants described how masking and mental health both influence each other, and both are influenced by social and environmental factors.
Conclusions
The findings are consistent with previous research indicating that masking is associated with mental health difficulties. Our analysis presents a broader conceptualisation of masking than previously defined in the literature, placing social oppression of autistic people at the heart of the relationship between masking and mental health. The findings have implications for diagnostic services, post-diagnostic support and therapeutic interventions, highlighting the need to challenge deficit-based narratives of autism.
Previous research has identified an association between masking and mental health for autistic people. However, the direction of causality and mechanisms involved in this relationship are not well understood. This qualitative study aimed to investigate autistic teenagers’ experiences of masking, mental health and how the two develop and interact.
Methods
Twenty autistic teenagers took part in a semi-structured interview. The interviews were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis.
Results
From the analysis, one theme was identified to conceptualise masking as described by participants. Five more inter-related themes were identified, each involved both in the relationship between masking and mental health and conversely in the relationship between authenticity and mental health. Participants described how masking and mental health both influence each other, and both are influenced by social and environmental factors.
Conclusions
The findings are consistent with previous research indicating that masking is associated with mental health difficulties. Our analysis presents a broader conceptualisation of masking than previously defined in the literature, placing social oppression of autistic people at the heart of the relationship between masking and mental health. The findings have implications for diagnostic services, post-diagnostic support and therapeutic interventions, highlighting the need to challenge deficit-based narratives of autism.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 102069 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| Journal | Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders |
| Volume | 99 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 11 Nov 2022 |
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This is the final published version of the article (version of record). It first appeared online via Elsevier at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2022.102069. Please refer to any applicable terms of use of the publisher.