A Friendly Article: The Qualitative Investigation of Anthropomorphism in Autistic and Nonautistic Adults

Background

Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics to nonhuman agents. This common tendency is thought to be driven by a heightened motivation for social connection and may therefore be expected to be reduced in autistic individuals given that this group has been claimed to demonstrate reduced social motivation in some settings. However, the subject of anthropomorphism in autism has not been studied extensively, and online forums, autobiographical accounts, and recent research on the topic suggest that, contrary to this expectation, anthropomorphism is commonly experienced by autistic individuals.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with eight autistic and eight nonautistic adults, all who reported a tendency to anthropomorphize. We recorded, transcribed, and analyzed the interviews according to the thematic analysis framework with the objective of identifying similarities and differences in the lived experiences of anthropomorphism in autistic and nonautistic individuals.

Results

Individuals in both groups described anthropomorphism as comforting, promoting a sense of safety and friendship with, and feelings of empathy and sympathy toward, nonhuman agents. Autistic individuals stressed the important role anthropomorphized agents played in their life, particularly when growing up: easing loneliness and helping develop an understanding of emotions and relationships. Participants also expressed negative aspects of the phenomenon, with both autistic and nonautistic individuals worrying about anthropomorphized agents' feelings and well-being. For some individuals, such thoughts and feelings caused distress and were experienced as intrusive due to their involuntary nature.

Conclusions

Autistic and nonautistic adults showed very similar anthropomorphic patterns. Although preliminary in nature, our findings highlight characteristics of anthropomorphic experiences for autistic and nonautistic individuals, furthering our understanding of individual differences in social cognition. By illustrating the important role nonhuman agents may play in the lives of autistic individuals, our findings may also guide future research and practice.

Lay summary

Why was this study done?: 'Anthropomorphism' is when you feel that non-human items have human characteristics, for example if you experience plants, animals, or household objects as having thoughts or feelings. Anthropomorphism is experienced by many people in many different ways. Researchers think it might happen when people have a strong desire for social connection. This has led some to suggest that autistic people will be less likely to anthropomorphise due to difficulties in social understanding and motivation. However, researchers have not examined this directly, and our prior research, together with comments in online forums and autobiographical accounts, indicated that autistic individuals may experience a special relationship with non-human items.What was the purpose of this study?: The purpose of the study was to speak directly to people who anthropomorphise and hear about their experiences. We could then compare patterns of anthropomorphism between autistic and non-autistic adults.What did the researchers do?: We interviewed 16 adults (8 autistic and 8 non-autistic) who told us they anthropomorphised, and asked about their personal experiences of anthropomorphism.What were the results of the study?: Autistic and non-autistic adults described very similar experiences of anthropomorphism. People in both groups described anthropomorphism as comforting, and said that it gave them a sense of safety and friendship. They also cared for, and experienced feelings of empathy toward, anthropomorphised items. Individuals in both groups worried about anthropomorphised items' feelings and well-being and this caused some people considerable distress. Autistic individuals stressed the important role anthropomorphised items played in their life, particularly when growing up: reducing loneliness and helping them develop an understanding of emotions and relationships.What do these findings add to what was already known?: Our findings show that there are many similarities in the experiences of anthropomorphism in autistic and non-autistic adults. The findings also show how, for some autistic adults, anthropomorphism was helpful in developing relationships with other people.What are potential weaknesses in the study?: The small number of participants means that we do not know whether the findings would apply to all people who experience anthropomorphism.How will these findings help autistic adults now or in the future?: By showing the various ways in which autistic individuals attach social meanings (such as feelings of caring or friendship) to anthropomorphised items, our findings add to a growing number of studies which challenge the commonly-held assumption that autistic individuals are less motivated to make social connections. Our work shows that autistic individuals may be highly motivated to connect socially, and that meaningful social connections and expressions of empathy need not be limited to human beings.