An Exploration of the Association Between Sensory Processing and Interoceptive Awareness in Neurotypical School-Aged Children

Abstract

ABSTRACT The relationship between children’s interoceptive awareness and sensory processing has to date received little attention in the empirical literature. This study investigated the association between sensory processing and interoceptive awareness factors in neurotypical school-aged children aged 8–12 years. A sample of 33 typically developing child/parent participant pairs residing in Australia were recruited. Sensory processing data was collected using the parent-reported Sensory Processing Measure-2, while interoceptive awareness data was gathered using the child-reported Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness-Youth, Interoceptive Awareness Questionnaire, and Three-domain Interoceptive Sensations Questionnaire. Spearman rho correlations and regression analysis with bootstrapping were used to investigate the relationship between sensory processing and interoceptive awareness factors. Five significant associations were found between interoceptive awareness and sensory processing factors: (1) Attention Regulation with Vision and Touch; (2) Self-Regulation with Vision, Taste & Smell, and Social Participation; (3) Body Listening with Touch, Taste & Smell, and Social Participation; (4) Awareness of Neutral Bodily Sensations with Vision; and (5) Interoceptive Sensibility with Taste & Smell. Significant positive predictive relationships were found between sensory processing and interoceptive awareness variables. Findings suggest an association between aspects of children’s sensory processing and their interoceptive awareness exists, providing occupational therapists with preliminary insights on this topic.