Abstract
While the link between sensory-processing sensitivity (SPS) and internalizing symptoms has been well-established, a link to externalizing problems is still to be explored. This study aimed to further examine the relation between SPS and behavioral problems by testing the potential mediating roles of trait emotional intelligence (TEI) and decision-making styles. Pathway analyses were conducted on data from 268 community sample participants (Mage = 25.81, SD = 2.41, 61.2% females). Results indicated gender differences in the pathway level outcomes of SPS, as well as potential partial mediators in men and women. SPS both directly and via the mediating effects of the well-being factor (TEI) and avoidant decision-making influenced depression, regardless of gender. Direct effects on aggression were, however, obtained only in the male sample. Indirect effects of SPS on aggression were found in spontaneous decision-making for men and in the self-control and sociability factors of TEI for women. Directions for future research were discussed.
Highlights
Sensory-processing sensitivity (SPS) represents a personality trait characterized by a greater depth of cognitive processing and greater emotional reactivity [1,2]
This study suggests that higher sensitivity coupled with distress may manifest in both depression (INT) and aggression (EXT)
Both the emotive factor of well-being and a cognitive factor of avoidant decision-making participated as partial mediators for depression, regardless of gender
Summary
Sensory-processing sensitivity (SPS) represents a personality trait characterized by a greater depth of cognitive processing and greater emotional reactivity [1,2]. There has been an increased theoretical and practical interest and recognition of the importance of SPS as an essential factor participating in both well-being and difficulties among more sensitive individuals, having implications for health, education, and work [2]. SPS could act as an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on whether the environments are supportive or adverse [2,3]. While supportive environments may help more sensitive individuals prosper, adverse environments seem to generate increased negative mental health outcomes, which may be manifested in problem behaviors [3]. The main representative of INT problems, depression [9], has revealed low–moderate positive associations (from 0.22 to 0.35) with more sensitive people [5,6,10]. Neal et al.’s [7] study did not find a correlation between SPS and depression, which may correspond to SPS not being solely a disadvantage
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