Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Children Development in the Context of Environmental Sensitivity

Abstract

Studies proved that people vary greatly in their sensitivity to the environment, and some are more sensitive than others. Aron et al. proposed the Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) model to explain individual differences in sensitivity from the perspective of environmental information processing depth, which has recently been incorporated within a meta-framework of Environmental Sensitivity. In the field of children development research, children’s SPS is gradually understood as an important marker of children’s environmental sensitivity, and about 30% of children have a high-sensitive trait characterized by deeper processing of environmental information, increased emotional and physiological reactivity, greater awareness of environmental subtleties, and ease to be overstimulated. Recently, SPS and the highly sensitive child have gained great popularity in public and academia. This article reviews the theoretical framework and measurements of SPS of children, summarizing the relationship between SPS and children’s development outcomes and the moderating role SPS plays in children’s development. Future research needs to focus on the prevention and intervention of negative effects related to SPS and harness its positive potential to promote children’s well-being.