Emotional Intelligence, Extraversion and Behavioral Inhibition System as predictors of Autisms Spectrum Quotient: performance on subliminal and supraliminal emotional face perception

This study explores the relationship between autistic trait (Autism Spectrum Quotient-AQ) and the personality dimensions of emotional intelligence (EI), empathy, neuroticism (N), extraversion (E), and behavioral RST-PQ measures in university students. The study compared accuracy rates to chance levels for backward-masked neutral, fearful and happy faces presented under two conditions: subliminal (13 ms) and supraliminal (159 ms). Accuracy rate was significantly higher for supraliminal than the subliminal condition. Higher E was positively related to EI and both were negatively correlated to Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) and AQ. BIS was positively correlated with Nand both were positively related to AQ. Mediation analysis disclosed that BIS, through negative EI and E, was positively linked to AQ by explaining the 42% of the total variance. The indirect effect of higher BIS that caused lower EI, which in turn caused variation in higher E, which resulted in higher AQ was significant.