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

Előadó neve

Mr. Sörnyei Dániel, MSc

Neptun code

EAYGF8

Előadó munkahelye

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

Előadó telefonszáma

+36302032544

Előadó e-mail címe

sornyei.daniel.tibor@semmelweis.hu

Az előadás címe

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

Szerző(k) neve és munkahelye

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

Bemutatás módja

Poszter

Szekció

Poster Session III. - M: Mental Health Sciences

Language of the presentation

Hungarian

Preferred session

Mental Health Sciences

Összefoglaló szövege

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.

University

Semmelweis University

Supervisor

Farkas Kinga MD PhD

Publication of my abstract

I give consent to the publication of my abstract on the website of the congress.

phd.section.field

in doctoral studies before complex exam (PhD)

Kind

Szabad

Status

elfogadva

Accepted presentation method

poszter

Előadás fájl jóváhagyás

nem rendelkezett róla

Előadó

9013

Start

14:24

End

14:30