An examination of the association between perceived stress and autistic traits in a rural predominately African American community sample

The current study examines the relationship between perceived stress and non-clinical autism traits by age and gender in a predominately rural African American population. Previous studies have shown an association between perceived stress and autism traits. Perceived stress has also been shown to increase with age. However, little research has examined the association between age, gender, and autistic traits. 223 participants (age 18-86 years) completed a survey that included perceived stress (PSS-4), depression (PHQ2), anxiety (GAD2) and autism trait (RAAD-14) assessments. 62% of the participants in the rural communities have high perceived stress. Stress was correlated with age, autistic traits (total as well as the sub-scores), depression and anxiety; the relationship with autistic traits remained when controlling for depression and anxiety. Age was correlated with autistic traits only for male participants, no association was found for female participants. The results replicate and extend previous work. Further research examining the observed gender differences in rural African Americans is warranted.