Exploring Social Cognition as a Risk Factor for Peer Victimization for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

In light of striking prevalence rates and adverse effects of bullying on interpersonal, psychological, and academic functioning, this study investigated a potentially influential risk factor, social cognition, for peer victimization of the uniquely at-risk population of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Two of the most common constructs that comprise social cognition include Theory of Mind (ToM) and Emotional Intelligence (EI). Forty-five students with High Functioning ASD (HFASD) completed measures assessing ToM, EI, and the prevalence and frequency of Bullying. Parent-report was also provided for the measure of bullying. According to student-report, verbal bullying was endorsed most (26.7%), followed by physical (17.8%) and social (15.6%) forms of bullying, while social bullying of student participants was endorsed most by parents (57.8%), followed by verbal (55.6%) and disability (35.6%) forms of bullying. Results indicated that neither ToM or EI predicted the prevalence or frequency of peer victimization for students with HFASD. Research efforts should continue to explore relevant risk factors for students with HFASD to inform policy and program development to effectively support this vulnerable group of students.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MSc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educational Psychology

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Graduate Studies

Year dc:date.issued

2016

Author dc:creator

• Fenwick, Melanie

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• McCrimmon, Adam

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Brandon, James
• Drefs, Michelle

• Educational Psychology

Statement dc:rights

• University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/26102

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ucalgary.scholaris.ca:11023/3398