Introduction: We aimed to examine the relationship between autistic
traits, internet addiction and multidimensional perceived social support
in individuals aged over 18 years in a non-clinical population sample.
Methods: Volunteers were invited to the study via social media and
e-mail, and the data were collected using an online questionnaire
form. The research sample consists of 355 participants. The sociodemographic
and internet usage information of the participants were
collected via the Personal Information Form. Autism-Spectrum Quotient
(AQ), Young-Internet Addiction Test (Y-IAT), Multidimensional Scale of
Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and The Satisfaction with Life Scale
(SWLS) which were administered to the participants.
Results: As the AQ scores increased, the scores of the Y-IAT also increased,
and MSPSS and SWLS scores decreased. According to our results, autistic
traits (ATs) were associated with internet addiction, perceived social
support and life satisfaction. A positive and significant relationship
was found between internet addiction and the sub-dimensions of the
autism spectrum questionnaire, such as social skills, shifting attention,
attention to detail and communication scores. We stated that 10% of
the total variance regarding internet addiction, 8% of the total variance
regarding social support and 2% of the total variance regarding life
satisfaction are explained by autistic traits. Also, as the level of internet
addiction increases, the perceived social support and life satisfaction
levels decrease.
Conclusion: Individuals with more ATs are more prone to internet
addiction. ATs negatively predicted the perceived social support and life
satisfaction. Preventive and therapeutic algorithms need to be developed
for individuals with autistic traits.
Keywords: Autistic traits, internet addiction, life satisfaction, social support