A latent profile analysis of empathizing-systemizing cognitive style among Chinese children aged 6 - 12 years: Links to intelligence, executive function, and autistic traits

IF 5.3 1区心理学 Q1 PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL

International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology Pub Date : 2025-01-01 DOI:10.1016/j.ijchp.2025.100554

Xin Wang , Le-Le Shen , Shuo-Lin Pan , Jin Jing , Lei Shi , Xu-Chu Weng , Xiu-Hong Li , Li-Zi Lin , Ning Pan

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Empathizing and systemizing abilities are respectively associated with key developmental outcomes like intelligence, executive function, and autistic traits, particularly in typically developing (TD) children. However, how specific cognitive styles—defined by the balance between empathizing and systemizing—relate to these outcomes remains unclear.

Methods

We conducted a latent profile analysis on 502 TD children aged 6‒12 years to identify cognitive styles based on multiple dimensions of empathizing and systemizing, measured by the Children's Empathy Quotient and Systemizing Quotient. Intelligence, executive function, and autistic traits were assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (Fourth Edition), the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, and the Social Responsiveness Scale, respectively.

Results

Four cognitive styles emerged: High B (high empathizing and systemizing), E-dominance (empathizing-dominant), S-dominance (systemizing-dominant), and Low B (low empathizing and systemizing). The High B and E-dominance groups showed higher full-scale intelligence and verbal comprehension scores compared to the Low B group. In executive function, the Low B and S-dominance groups displayed more impairments, particularly in inhibitory control, emotional regulation, and overall executive function. For autistic traits, the S-dominance group showed higher levels of both social-communication difficulties and autistic mannerisms, while the Low B group primarily displayed increased social-communication challenges.

Conclusion

Cognitive styles marked by high empathizing and systemizing ability correlate with stronger intelligence and social-communication skills, while a systemizing-dominant profile may lead to executive function difficulties and elevated autistic traits. These findings emphasize the role of cognitive styles in developmental outcomes, with implications for tailored educational and clinical interventions.

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来源期刊

International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL-

CiteScore

10.70

自引率

5.70%

发文量

审稿时长

33 days

期刊介绍： The International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology is dedicated to publishing manuscripts with a strong emphasis on both basic and applied research, encompassing experimental, clinical, and theoretical contributions that advance the fields of Clinical and Health Psychology. With a focus on four core domains—clinical psychology and psychotherapy, psychopathology, health psychology, and clinical neurosciences—the IJCHP seeks to provide a comprehensive platform for scholarly discourse and innovation. The journal accepts Original Articles (empirical studies) and Review Articles. Manuscripts submitted to IJCHP should be original and not previously published or under consideration elsewhere. All signing authors must unanimously agree on the submitted version of the manuscript. By submitting their work, authors agree to transfer their copyrights to the Journal for the duration of the editorial process.