Study Links Autistic-Like Traits to Reduced Affection in Romantic Relationships

Key points

• Research published in Evolutionary Psychology indicates that individuals with higher autistic-like traits (ALTs) are less likely to use benefit-provisioning tactics, such as giving compliments or gifts, to maintain romantic relationships.
• The study, led by Andrzej Łukasik of the University of Rzeszow, found that ALTs predict insecure attachment styles (anxious and avoidant), which in turn influence mate retention behaviors.
• While initial models suggested ALTs were linked to fewer negative tactics, controlling for age revealed a slight positive association between ALTs and cost-inflicting behaviors, such as jealousy or control.
• ALTs were found to be weak predictors of life history theory outcomes, such as fast versus slow reproductive strategies, suggesting attachment style is a more significant mediator in relationship dynamics.
• The study used structural equation modeling on data from 796 participants, noting that cross-sectional design limits causal conclusions and that self-reporting may introduce bias.

Background

Previous research, including a 2021 PsyPost report, established that anxious attachment is linked to both positive and negative mate retention strategies. A 2016 study also found that insecure attachment predicts the frequency of various mate retention behaviors. These findings provide background for the current study, which explores how autistic-like traits interact with attachment styles to shape relationship maintenance tactics.

Why it matters

Understanding the link between autistic-like traits and relationship behaviors can help explain challenges some individuals face in maintaining close relationships. Since benefit-provisioning tactics are associated with higher relationship satisfaction, identifying factors that reduce their use may inform therapeutic interventions for individuals with higher ALTs or insecure attachment styles.

What to watch

Future research should use longitudinal designs to determine causal relationships between autistic-like traits, attachment styles, and mate retention behaviors. Additionally, studies should explore whether the Autism-Spectrum Quotient measures pure autistic traits or overlaps with social anxiety, which could affect interpretation of results.