A systematic review and meta-analysis of the overlap in narcissistic personality disorder and autistic spectrum disorder and the effectiveness of interventions targeting empathy.

Bridge, Roseanna (2024) A systematic review and meta-analysis of the overlap in narcissistic personality disorder and autistic spectrum disorder and the effectiveness of interventions targeting empathy. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Background: Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) both have empathy deficits as part of the diagnosis. It is unclear what the prevalence is between these conditions and how gender might vary. Empathy interventions for children and adolescents with ASD have been effective in increasing social and empathy-related deficits. However, outcome research for adults with ASD appears more limited.

Methods: A systematic review and narrative synthesis were carried out on the overlap of NPD and ASD to understand empathy. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions to increase empathy in adults with ASD was also conducted.

Results: In the systematic review examining the overlap between NPD and ASD, the literature found that these populations recruited into studies often have a low bar for diagnostic inclusion. This includes often poorly validated self-report measures. Heterogeneity in the studies meant there was unsuitable data to carry out meta-analysis to determine the overlap. In the meta-analysis exploring interventions aimed at adults with ASD, a moderate effect size was found.

Conclusions: Together these papers suggest that people with NPD and ASD do experience difficulties with empathy, yet the type of empathy difficulty varies depending on the condition. Limitations of the current literature make it difficult to determine the prevalence of both ASD and NPD. Future research to address this includes consistent use of classification systems and gold-standard diagnostic tools as well as clearer and consistent operationalised definitions of empathy. Non-pharmacological interventions have a moderate effect in increasing empathy for adults with ASD, however, further research in this area is warranted.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Nicola Veasy
Date Deposited:	07 Nov 2024 08:51
Last Modified:	07 Nov 2024 08:51
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/97545
DOI:

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