Extending the minority stress model to understand mental health problems experienced by the autistic population

This research summary can be incorporated into a lecture or shared with students as a reading to demonstrate how psychological science explores the diversity of human experience. This resource can also be used to encourage students to identify the major components of a research study (i.e., the hypothesis or study question, sample, method, and findings). Students can be asked to identify potential limitations of the study and encouraged to discuss the implications for our understanding of human behavior. Keywords highlight how concepts within and across pillars are incorporated into a single research study.

The minority stress model suggests that people from minoritized groups experience higher levels of stress, in the form of discrimination, prejudice, and stigma, and that this influences mental and physical health outcomes. Monique Botha, a self-identified autistic psychologist, along with David Frost, a social psychologist who studies minority stress, hypothesized that the minority stress model can explain the higher rates of mental and physical health problems among autistic people. Their sample of 111 autistic people completed an online survey measuring several minority stress variables and indicating whether they are autistic. Findings suggest that autistic people do indeed experience an added stress burden from minority stress. Results affirm the utility of the minority stress model for accounting for increased mental health problems among autistic populations. Stressors such as victimization, internalized stigma, and expectation of rejection predicted lower well-being outcomes. This finding suggests that some of the mental health disparities observed among autistic populations may be preventable. Implications include normalizing research that is grounded in the understanding that autism is another social identity, like sexuality or race, as opposed to a biomedical model that seeks to convert or cure individuals. Additionally, this study points to social factors as significant correlates of mental health disparities, all potential topics for future consideration. 

Botha, M., & Frost, D. M. (2020). Extending the minority stress model to understand mental health problems experienced by the autistic population. Society and Mental Health, 10(1), 20–34. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156869318804297opens in new window

Social, Mental Health, Autism, Disparities, Stress, Prejudice

The development of resources to broaden diversity and representation in the teaching of high school psychology resources is an APA Committee of Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools initiative supported by funding from the American Psychological Foundation David and Carol Myers Fund. This resource was developed by Kara Ayers, PhD; Emily Lund, PhD; Erika Sanborne; and Allison Shaver.