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Mac A, Kim MK, Sevak RJ. A review of the impact of sensory processing sensitivity on mental health in university students. Ment Health Clin 2024; 14:247-252. [PMID: 39104436 PMCID: PMC11298036 DOI: 10.9740/mhc.2024.08.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The concept of sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) was first introduced by Aron and Aron (1996) as an innate trait characterized by heightened processing of sensory, emotional, and physical stimuli. Since the concept's introduction in 1996, high SPS has been shown to be associated with poor physical and mental health. It is possible that this is especially true in university students, who are frequently faced with numerous stressors, such as intense workloads and test anxiety. Methods This article is a systematic literature review conducted through EBSCOHost using the following databases: Academic Search Complete, APA PsycArticles, APA PsycInfo, Education Research Complete, ERIC, MEDLINE Complete, and SocINDEX. Search terms included terms regarding high sensory processing sensitivity, university or professional students, and mental health. Results A total of 6 studies were included. University students with high SPS experienced heightened reactions to sensory, emotional, and physical stimuli. The studies demonstrate correlations of high SPS with outcomes such as depressive tendencies and difficulty adjusting to college. Discussion These findings highlight that SPS is associated with poor mental health outcomes. The results underscore the importance of developing support methods for students with high SPS. Future studies should further explore SPS in university students to develop targeted support methods and programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Mac
- Pharmacy Practice Fellow and Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy, Stockton, California
| | - Myo-Kyoung Kim
- Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy, Stockton, California
| | - Rajkumar J. Sevak
- (Corresponding author) Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy, Stockton, California,
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May AK, Smeeth D, McEwen F, Karam E, Rieder MJ, Elzagallaai AA, van Uum S, Lionetti F, Pluess M. The role of environmental sensitivity in the mental health of Syrian refugee children: a multi-level analysis. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02573-x. [PMID: 38702371 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02573-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Individuals with high environmental sensitivity have nervous systems that are disproportionately receptive to both the protective and imperilling aspects of the environment, suggesting their mental health is strongly context-dependent. However, there have been few consolidated attempts to examine putative markers of sensitivity, across different levels of analysis, within a single cohort of individuals with high-priority mental health needs. Here, we examine psychological (self-report), physiological (hair hormones) and genetic (polygenic scores) markers of sensitivity in a large cohort of 1591 Syrian refugee children across two waves of data. Child-caregiver dyads were recruited from informal tented settlements in Lebanon, and completed a battery of psychological instruments at baseline and follow-up (12 months apart). Univariate and multivariate Bayesian linear mixed models were used to examine a) the interrelationships between markers of sensitivity and b) the ability of sensitivity markers to predict anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and externalising behaviour. Self-reported sensitivity (using the Highly Sensitive Child Scale) significantly predicted a higher burden of all forms of mental illness across both waves, however, there were no significant cross-lagged pathways. Physiological and genetic markers were not stably predictive of self-reported sensitivity, and failed to similarly predict mental health outcomes. The measurement of environmental sensitivity may have significant implications for identifying and treating mental illness, especially amongst vulnerable populations, but clinical utility is currently limited to self-report assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew K May
- Biological and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Demelza Smeeth
- Biological and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Fiona McEwen
- Biological and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of War Studies, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Elie Karam
- Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, Balamand University, St Georges Hospital University Medical Center, Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy and Applied Care (IDRAAC), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Michael J Rieder
- Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Abdelbaset A Elzagallaai
- Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Stan van Uum
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Francesca Lionetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Michael Pluess
- Biological and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
- Department of Psychological Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
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Yano K, Oishi K. Individual differences in environmental sensitivity: associations between cognitive emotion regulation and mental health. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1322544. [PMID: 38524301 PMCID: PMC10957743 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1322544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Environmental sensitivity is defined as the ability to perceive and process internal and external information. Previous studies have suggested that mental health-related factors differ by sensitivity level. This study aimed to investigate whether environmental sensitivity moderates the associations between cognitive emotion regulation strategies (e.g., rumination and blaming others) and mental health. Materials and methods In this three-wave longitudinal study, participants (N = 1,233, 585, and 349 at Times 1, 2, and 3, respectively) completed the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire-short and Kessler 10 scale at all the measurement points as well as the 10-item version of the Highly Sensitive Person scale and some covariates only at Time 1. Results Latent growth model analyses indicated that the blaming others strategy had contrastive effects on changes in mental health by sensitivity level; the increase in refocusing on planning was associated with improved mental health over time only for highly sensitive individuals; and the rumination and catastrophizing strategies were the most important risk factors for mental health problems, although their effects differed slightly by sensitivity level. Conclusion The associations between some of the cognitive strategies and mental health differ by environmental sensitivity level. Future investigations based on individual differences in sensitivity could provide innovative insights into practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Yano
- Research Center for Youth Education, National Institution For Youth Education, Tokyo, Japan
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Chacón A, Borda-Mas M, Rivera F, Pérez-Chacón M, Avargues-Navarro ML. Aesthetic sensitivity: relationship with openness to experience and agreeableness, health-related quality of life and adaptive coping strategies in people with high sensory processing sensitivity. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1276124. [PMID: 38268809 PMCID: PMC10806200 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1276124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Aesthetic sensitivity in people with high sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) reflects the positive perception of life, especially aspects related to the arts and nature. This study is focused on the analysis of the effect of aesthetic sensitivity in relation to indicators of health-related quality of life (general health, mental health and emotional role), the personality traits openness to experience and agreeableness, and coping strategies in people with SPS. The adult participants (N = 10,520, mean age = 33.61) completed the Spanish versions of the High Sensitivity Person Scale (HSPS-S), Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and Coping Strategies Inventory (CSI). It was observed that people with high aesthetic sensitivity presented greater openness and agreeableness, tended to use adaptive coping strategies and showed a slightly poorer functioning in different areas of daily living. Moreover, health-related quality of life, mental health and adaptive coping strategies occupied central positions in the correlations between variables, with a positive impact between mental health and adaptive coping strategies with openness and agreeableness. Lastly, the level of aesthetic sensitivity did not play a moderator role, and it exerted no differential influence on its relationship with the analysed variables. Now, it has been found that people with high levels of aesthetic sensitivity cope more adequately, which would cushion the effect that high SPS can have on mental health, specifically on anxious and depressive symptoms. It is concluded that these findings are relevant and useful for future propositions of prevention and clinical intervention, as well as for counselling in the psychoeducational, labour and family scopes, amongst others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Chacón
- Spanish Association of Highly Sensitive Professionals and Psychologists, PAS España, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Borda-Mas
- Department of Personality, Assessment, and Psychological Treatment, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Francisco Rivera
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Manuela Pérez-Chacón
- Spanish Association of Highly Sensitive Professionals and Psychologists, PAS España, Madrid, Spain
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Costa-López B, Ferrer-Cascales R, Ruiz-Robledillo N, Albaladejo-Blázquez N, Baryła-Matejczuk M. A comparative study of differences between parents and teachers in the evaluation of environmental sensitivity. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1291041. [PMID: 38187422 PMCID: PMC10771387 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1291041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The inextricable bond between humans and the environment underscores the pivotal significance of environmental sensitivity. This innate trait encompasses a wide array of ways individuals perceive, process, and react to various internal and external stimuli. The evaluation of this trait in children is generally conducted by parents. However, little is known about the concordance of the parents reports with those conducted by others, such as teachers. Children's behavior assessment is a current and relevant issue and finding out more positive results could make improvements in different contexts, such as home, clinics and schools. Objective This study examines agreements and discrepancies between parents and teachers as raters of environmental sensitivity in Spanish children. Methods Participants were 124 parents and eight teachers of youngsters between 3 and 10 years, who completed a paper survey providing information about parental and school variables and environmental sensitivity. Results Parents and teachers mostly differ when rating environmental sensitivity, being parents the raters who score higher levels of this trait than teachers. Also, poor intra-class coefficients of reliability are found in both the items of HSCS, the dimensions and the general factor of environmental sensitivity among the informants. Conclusion The present investigation provides novel findings related to inter-rater assessment on environmental sensitivity and how these different informants could affect in the report. This study also highlights the need of making and validating new and specific tools to assess environmental sensitivity for teachers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borja Costa-López
- Department of Health Psychology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
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May AK, Wessels SH, Norris SA, Richter LM, Lombard Z, Pitman MM. Early predictors of sensory processing sensitivity in members of the Birth to Twenty Plus cohort. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2023.104370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
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Kase T, Endo S. Cross-Cultural Validation of the Short Form of the Life Skills Scale for Adolescents and Adults in Adolescents in Four Countries. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/07342829231155306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to translate the Japanese version of the Life Skills Scale for Adolescents and Adults (LSSAA) into Chinese, English, and Korean, simplify it, and assess its reliability and validity. Validation was performed using individual data of 9941 high-school students from China, Japan, Korea, and the United States collected by the 2021 “Survey on Experiences and Attitudes Related to the Corona Crisis” conducted by the National Institution For Youth Education. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the four-factor model of the LSSAA fit the data for all four countries. Testing of the measurement invariance of the four-factor model among the four countries supported the adoption of a weak invariance model, and the LSSAA scores were comparable across all four countries. These results suggest that the LSSAA has good reliability and validity and applies to adolescents in English-speaking countries and some Asian counties.
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Iimura S, Yano K, Ishii Y. Environmental Sensitivity in Adults: Psychometric Properties of the Japanese Version of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale 10-Item Version. J Pers Assess 2023; 105:87-99. [PMID: 35286222 DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2022.2047988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Environmental Sensitivity, which explains individual differences in the tendency to respond more to both positive and negative environmental influences, can be measured by the self-reported Highly Sensitive Person scale. This paper introduced psychometric properties of a brief Japanese version of a 10-item measure of sensitivity (HSP-J10) developed by four studies involving 2,388 adults. The results showed that (1) the newly created HSP-J10 supported the bifactor structure (i.e., Ease of Excitation, Low Sensory Threshold, Esthetic Sensitivity, plus General Sensitivity factor), (2) the HSP-J10 correlated with but discriminated against other personality traits and affects, (3) it had high temporal stability, and (4) participants who scored higher on the HSP-J10 showed significant increases in positive emotion from before watching a video with positive content to after, while those who scored low showed no significant change in positive emotion. It demonstrated the new scale's good psychometric properties in that it moderated outcomes as theoretically expected when the environment was experimentally manipulated. The four studies suggested that the newly created HSP-J10 might adequately measure individual differences in adults' Environmental Sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhei Iimura
- Graduate School of Education, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kosuke Yano
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan.,Graduate School of Community and Human Services, Rikkyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukiko Ishii
- Graduate School of Education, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Gulla B, Golonka K. Exploring Protective Factors in Wellbeing: How Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Attention Awareness Interact With Resilience. Front Psychol 2021; 12:751679. [PMID: 34867640 PMCID: PMC8634940 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.751679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study is to analyze the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), attention awareness, and resilience and to determine whether attention awareness may moderate the relation between sensitivity and resilience. The sample consisted of 273 adults (239 women; Mage=24.12, SD=6.59years). The highly sensitive person scale, the resiliency assessment scale, and the mindful attention awareness scale were used in the study. The results indicate significant relationships between SPS and resilience; emotional reactivity is especially associated with lower resilience, whereas sensing the subtle is associated with higher resilience. The regression analyses revealed that SPS is a significant predictor of resilience, but diverse aspects of sensitivity explain resilience differently. Attentional awareness was found to be a significant moderator that strengthens the positive relationship between sensing the subtle and tolerance of negative emotions. The consequences of high sensitivity include high levels of distress, anxiety, and a sense of overload; therefore, searching for protective factors is important to maintain the wellbeing of highly sensitive people. As one of the characteristics of highly sensitive persons, sensing the subtle may be an important resource that allows to them to deal effectively with difficult situations. Training on attention awareness and conscious presence may be an important way to deal with negative emotions and develop personal competences. The results indicate that these strategies may be of high significance for improving wellbeing and protecting highly sensitive persons against various stress factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bożena Gulla
- Institute of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Management and Social Communication, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Krystyna Golonka
- Institute of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Management and Social Communication, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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Yano K, Endo S, Kimura S, Oishi K. Effective coping strategies employed by university students in three sensitivity groups: a quantitative text analysis. COGENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/23311908.2021.1988193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Yano
- Graduate School of Community and Human Services, Rikkyo University, Saitama, JAPAN
- Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (Dc1), Tokyo, JAPAN
| | - Shintaro Endo
- Faculty of Creative Engineering, Chiba Institute of Technology, Chiba, JAPAN
| | - Shunsuke Kimura
- College of Community and Human Services, Rikkyo University, Saitama, JAPAN
| | - Kazuo Oishi
- College of Community and Human Services, Rikkyo University, Saitama, JAPAN
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Baryła-Matejczuk M, Poleszak W, Porzak R. Short Polish version of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale - exploring its multidimensional structure in a sample of emerging adults. CURRENT ISSUES IN PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 11:72-86. [PMID: 38013832 PMCID: PMC10535542 DOI: 10.5114/cipp.2021.107339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is a heritable trait and persons who are characterized by a high level of it are termed highly sensitive. The first and the most frequently used scale developed to measure high sensitivity is the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS), which has become increasingly popular and has been adapted to many languages in recent years. The present article forms a part of the publications which deal with the subject of tool adaptation and the exploration of their structure. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE This article presents the results of research conducted on a Polish sample of emerging adults consisting of 470 persons. The aim of this study is to further analyse the psychometric properties of the HSPS, as well as to provide initial evidence for the properties of the scale on a Polish sample. The analyses conducted to date have been extended and the item response theory (IRT) model has been included. Also, a proposal for a shortened scale is presented. RESULTS The results show that the Polish version of the HSPS constitutes a reliable method whose validity is proven by correlations with the Pavlovian Temperament Survey as well as being a reliable measure of the SPS construct. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained support the multi-factor structure of the scale. There is a need for further analysis of the cultural aspect in sensitivity studies as well as for exploring gender differences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wiesław Poleszak
- Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Economics and Innovation, Lublin, Poland
| | - Robert Porzak
- Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Economics and Innovation, Lublin, Poland
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Replication of the three sensitivity groups and investigation of their characteristics in Japanese samples. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01537-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Amemiya R, Takahashi G, Rakwal R, Kahata M, Isono K, Sakairi Y. Effects of yoga in a physical education course on attention control and mental health among graduate students with high sensory processing sensitivity. COGENT PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/23311908.2020.1778895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rei Amemiya
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Kanako Isono
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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