Gelotophobia in adults with and without autism spectrum disorder

Background. Gelotophobia is a fear of being laughed at which can be slight, marked, or extreme. This study aimed to investigate gelotophobia, peer-attachment, emotional regulation, social functioning, and extraversion in 230 adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and in 272 neurotypical individuals. Methods. Questionnaires included the GELOPH < 15>, Autism Spectrum Quotient 10-items, Inventory of Parent and Peer attachment, Emotional Regulation Questionnaire, Social Functioning Questionnaire, and the NEO-FFI-3. Results. The groups significantly differed in gelotophobia symptomatology with 72.2% of the ASD and 25% of the neurotypical group over the threshold for gelotophobia. All variables, except for social functioning, were significant predictors of gelotophobia in both groups. Conclusions. This novel study expanded on the existing literature by emphasising factors which may influence gelotophobia development in adults with ASD.