Association between autistic tendency and mental health for studying abroad.

This study looked at Japanese university students going overseas to study. Researchers found that students with more autistic traits (measured by a questionnaire) were nearly 6 times more likely to experience mental health problems while studying abroad. About 6% of students had mental health difficulties related to adjusting to a different culture. This suggests students with autistic traits may need extra support when studying in foreign countries.

This Japanese cohort study examined the relationship between autistic traits and mental health problems among 585 university students participating in study abroad programs from 2012-2014. Researchers used the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) to measure autistic tendencies and assessed cross-cultural maladaptation as a mental health outcome. Of 352 students who completed follow-up, 6.0% experienced mental health problems while abroad. Students with high AQ scores (33+) had significantly higher odds of developing mental health problems compared to those with lower scores (adjusted OR 5.87, 95% CI 1.24-27.9).

The study provides evidence that autistic traits may increase vulnerability to cross-cultural adjustment difficulties during international study experiences.

Universities should consider screening for autistic traits before study abroad programs and provide targeted pre-departure preparation and ongoing support. Mental health services should be readily available for students with autistic tendencies during international placements. Early identification and intervention may prevent cross-cultural adjustment difficulties.

Single-institution Japanese study limits generalizability. High attrition rate (40% lost to follow-up). Mental health assessment relied on cross-cultural maladaptation measure rather than standardized diagnostic tools. No control group of non-study-abroad students for comparison.

To identify the association between autistic tendencies and mental health among university students who study abroad. We conducted a historical cohort study at a Japanese university, targeting students who went overseas from 2012 to 2014 as part of study abroad program. We administered questionnaires to students before and after they completed the overseas study program. These questionnaires included items about sex, age, academic degrees, department affiliations, past experience of studying abroad, type of overseas program, and schedule of departures and returns.

To determine students' mental health problems, we considered cross-cultural maladaptation while studying abroad as the outcome by two reviewers. We also administered the Autism-Spectrum Quotient, Japanese version (AQ), and the General Health Questionnaire 60 Japanese version. We utilized the logistic regression model after adjusting for the General Health Questionnaire and country or region with programs to estimate odds ratios (OR) for considering outcomes. Of the 585 who participated in this study excluding two students for cancellations, 352 (60.2%) completed to following-up.

The prevalence of mental health problems was 6.0% (21/406) and categorized when studying abroad. The mean AQ score was 19.3 (standard deviation = ±7.12). High AQ (a score of 33 and more) was prevalent among 3.7% (18/486). Students with high AQ had more mental health problems compared to those without high AQ (adjusted ORs 5.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-27.9, P = 0.03).

We clarified the association between autistic tendencies and mental health for students studying abroad.