PhD Scientific Days 2025

Poster Session III. - M: Mental Health Sciences

Investigating Mentalization as a Transdiagnostic Factor in Autism and Schizophrenia: A Cross-sectional Study with Therapeutic Implications

Name of the presenter

Sörnyei Dániel

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Semmelweis University, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy - Department of Clinical Psychology

Authors

Sörnyei Dániel¹, Bálint Sára², Nyulászi Anna³, Horváth Márton³, Kovács Fanni Mercédesz², Vass Ágota², Farkas Kinga²

1: Semmelweis University, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy - Department of Clinical Psychology
2: Semmelweis University, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
3: Péterfy Sándor Utcai Hospital-Clinic and Trauma Centre, Department of Crisis Intervention and Psychiatry

Text of the abstract

Deficits in mentalization and attachment are observed in both autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SCH), as well as in their broader phenotypic expressions in the general population. The development of mentalization is strongly influenced by early attachment relationships and the perceived social support received from caregivers and the broader environment. Given the overlaps in symptomatology and neurodevelopmental correlates of ASD and SCH, identifying shared and distinct features is essential to support screening, differential diagnosis, and intervention.
Our study examined the relationship between mentalization, attachment, and perceived social support during adolescence in relation to autistic and schizotypal traits. Utilizing a cross-sectional online survey, data from 2203 adult participants (65.1% female; mean age [SD] = 37.98 [9.66]) were analyzed via multivariate mediation models. The sample included individuals diagnosed with ASD and SCH, as well as members of the general population. Results indicated that both autistic and schizotypal traits were linked to insecure adult attachment, primarily mediated by difficulties in mentalization, although the specific patterns varied slightly. Perceived social support during adolescence emerged as a protective factor, associated with improved mentalizing and more secure adult attachment.
These findings underscore the importance of supportive therapeutic relationships and community care in supporting mentalization skills in ASD and SCH. They also highlight directions for targeted interventions focused on mentalization and attachment. Building on these conclusions, our future aim is to develop an evidence-based psychotherapeutic intervention aimed at improving the social functioning of adults with ASD by enhancing mentalization skills. Based on the principles of mentalization-based therapy, this approach may provide direct therapeutic benefits and could also serve as a preparatory phase for other psychotherapeutic modalities. Ultimately, our results may contribute to a deeper understanding and more effective support of interpersonal difficulties in ASD, thereby improving the quality of life for affected individuals.