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Brief Report: The Impact of Sensory Hypersensitivity and Intolerance of Uncertainty on Anxiety in Williams Syndrome
Mirko Uljarević Izelle Labuschagne Rebecca Bobin Anna Atkinson Darren R. Hocking
Mirko Uljarević
Izelle Labuschagne
Rebecca Bobin
Anna Atkinson
Darren R. Hocking
Abstract
This study explored the interrelationship between intolerance of uncertainty, sensory hyper-sensitivity and anxiety in Williams syndrome (WS). Thirty-two parents or guardians of individuals with WS (Mage = 24.76 years, SD = 7.55) were included. Associations between anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, sensory hyper-sensitivity, and ASD symptoms were assessed. Linear regression analysis revealed that intolerance of uncertainty and sensory hyper-sensitivity were unique independent predictors of anxiety, while social communication score was not. There was evidence of a mediating effect of sensory hyper-sensitivity on the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety. These findings bear strong resemblance to the pattern seen in ASD and emphasize the need for development of anxiety interventions that attempt to reduce negative beliefs about unpredictable situations in WS.
Keywords
Williams syndrome, Anxiety, Autism spectrum disorder, intolerance of uncertainty, sensory hyper-sensitivity
Date
2018
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Book
Volume
48
Issue
11
Page Range
3958-3964
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
School of Allied Health
Faculty of Health Sciences
School of Allied Health
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Relation URI
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Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled