Sensory Sensitivity Research Articles

The role of individual differences in environmental sensitivity in teachers' stress and burnout at work.

School teachers are among workers most exposed to stress and burnout-a relevant occupational phenomenon leading to psychological and economic costs. The Environmental Sensitivity individual trait-as captured by the psychological marker of sensory processing sensitivity (SPS)-has been found to have a relevant role in stress and emotional exhaustion at work. Yet, little is still known about heightened SPS in the educational field and on underlying mechanisms occurring in the relationship between SPS, stress and burnout. The current work aimed to explore the association between SPS and burnout among teachers as well as the moderating role of perceived stress and school climate in this association. One hundred and ninety eight teachers (44.3years; SD=9.7, 94% F) reported on their levels of SPS, occupational burnout, perceived stress and school climate quality. In line with a vulnerability effect, we found heightened SPS largely associated with burnout. This was particularly evident in a context of high-perceived stress, suggesting that teachers high on SPS may experience more challenges in the face of elevated stress with the need of more support. When exposed to positive and supportive school climate, highly sensitive teachers showed a decrease in burnout, suggesting high SPS as a valuable strength for benefiting from positive experiences. Findings have the potential to inform the customisation of support programs, assisting both schools and work agencies in increasing their awareness of the role of individual differences in responding to both work-demand-related stress and to positive work environments.

A national evaluation of QbTest to support ADHD assessment: a real-world, mixed methods approach.

QbTest is a commercially available, computerised test of attention, impulsivity, and activity designed to assist with the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Health Innovation East Midlands (formerly East Midlands AHSN), led the implementation of the QbTest on behalf of the 15 Health Innovation Networks across Child and Adolescent Mental Health services (CAMHS) and Paediatric sites in England between April 2020 and March 2023. We evaluate the impact of this programme on diagnostic assessment at participating sites. A mixed-methods approach was used including: case-note data collected on 10-30 cases per site pre and post QbTest implementation; interviews with healthcare staff working with QbTest; and surveys to explore perspectives of healthcare staff and patients/carers. Case-note data was descriptively analysed to compare time to diagnosis (number of appointments and days) pre/post QbTest implementation. Survey data was analysed descriptively. Qualitative interview data was explored using thematic analysis. Case-note data was provided by 20 sites across England. Comparison of mean values pre- and post-QbTest implementation identified a decrease of 0.37 (11.5%) in number of appointments to reach a diagnostic decision, a 55-day (12.5%) increase in days from initial referral to diagnosis, and a 12-day (10.3%) increase in days to reach a diagnostic decision. Exploratory analyses indicated greater benefit for Paediatric services over CAMHS, in terms of a decrease in days from referral to diagnosis and number of appointments to diagnosis. Interviews with healthcare staff (n=21) revealed that the QbTest was perceived to support a faster, more efficient diagnostic process. Survey data (n=65 healthcare staff, n=22 patients/carers) identified that the QbTest helped patients understand their symptoms and the diagnostic decision. Although some logistical issues (e.g., room requirements) and patient issues (e.g., sensory sensitivity) were identified, healthcare staff considered that QbTest was easily incorporated into the ADHD assessment pathway. The national implementation of QbTest in ADHD clinics resulted in a small reduction in the number of clinical appointments needed to reach a diagnostic decision, with greatest benefit demonstrated in Paediatric sites. Data were impacted by COVID-19 therefore, further evaluation is warranted.

Autistic traits linked to anxiety and dichotomous thinking: sensory sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty as mediators in non-clinical population

A recent theoretical cognitive model posits that three cognitive constructs—intolerance of uncertainty, lack of predictive processing, and dichotomous thinking—may interact with anxiety in autistic individuals. However, the interrelationships among these constructs remain unclear. We investigated this relationship in a non-clinical population using five questionnaires (Autism Spectrum Quotient, Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire, Short Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, Penn State Worry Questionnaire, and Dichotomous Thinking Inventory) and conducted a path analysis. Data were collected from 405 adults (aged 20–22 years) in Experiment 1 and 628 (aged 20–49 years) in Experiment 2. In both experiments, autistic traits were significantly associated with both anxiety and dichotomous thinking, mediated by intolerance of uncertainty. Autistic traits were linked to intolerance of uncertainty, mediated by atypical sensory processing. Furthermore, autistic traits were directly associated with anxiety. No direct association was observed between anxiety and dichotomous thinking. Our results confirm the validity of Stark’s cognitive model in a non-clinical population. These findings provide new insights into anxiety and dichotomous thinking and shed light on the cognitive styles of autistic individuals.

Embodied superpower: A qualitative study of the experience of highly sensitive wellbeing practitioners

Purpose: Research has identified that approximately 20-31 percent of the global population can be considered highly sensitive––carrying the trait of sensory-processing sensitivity (SPS). SPS, associated with increased sensitivity and responsiveness to internal, environmental, and social stimuli, is often considered to be a vulnerability. Despite this, it has been shown to have the potential of becoming an asset to people. However, a gap exists in the research literature regarding the experience of highly sensitive wellbeing practitioners and how they can best manage their high sensitivity to the benefit of themselves and others. Design: A qualitative approach explored how highly sensitive wellbeing practitioners experience and deal with SPS in the context of working with clients. Method: In-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with ten practitioners, drawn from a number of wellbeing professions. Results: The qualitative grounded theory analysis revealed the overarching theme of experiencing SPS as an ‘embodied superpower’ and a complex, interwoven dynamic interplay between four major themes: appreciation, challenges, journey, and client work. The results show that, if managed well, SPS can indeed be a valuable asset to practitioners. Implications: As the first of its kind to investigate this topic in a systematic, scientific manner, the study has significance in exploring SPS, especially in relation to embodiment theory. Findings have implications for highly sensitive wellbeing practitioners, contributing to the understanding of their trait and offering practical suggestions on how to best manage it.

Disentangling general and sport-specific risk factors for anxiety and depression in a mixed sample of athletes and non-athletes

The present study was designed to assess whether competitive athletes and non-athletes differ in terms of certain personality traits linked to atypicalities in emotion awareness and regulation, and whether being an athlete accounts for unique variance in symptoms of anxiety and depression when these traits and exposure to childhood emotional abuse are held constant. In order to address these questions, we had 483 undergraduates (Mage = 19.7 years; 75.8% female), including 228 athletes and 255 non-athletes, complete self-report measures of personality (alexithymia, sensory processing sensitivity or SPS, and anxiety sensitivity or AS), exposure to emotional abuse in childhood, pandemic-related stress, anxiety, and depression. Recreational and elite athletes scored lower on SPS and depression than non-athletes, and recreational athletes also scored lower than non-athletes on AS. However, involvement in competitive sport did not predict depression or anxiety when other variables were controlled for. Alexithymia, AS, and childhood emotional abuse predicted depression, and SPS, AS, and childhood emotional abuse predicted anxiety. The same pattern was seen in a subgroup of athletes (n = 91) who had recently been coached, except that in this subgroup exposure to emotionally abusive coaching was found to be an additional risk factor for anxiety. These findings help to disentangle general and sport-specific risk factors for anxiety and depression and may have important implications for preventing and treating these problems in athletes and non-athletes alike.

Understanding the Relationship Between Attachment Orientation and Physical Activity Participation: An Exploratory Study.

Physical inactivity is recognized as a global health challenge. Attachment theory may provide insight into individual physical activity (PA) patterns, informing the development of PA interventions to promote the maintenance of behavior change. This study investigated the associations between attachment orientation and why and how individuals engage in PA. Given the association between attachment and sensory processing, this study also investigated the link between sensory processing and PA participation. Participants (N = 141) completed an online questionnaire that included the Modified Experiences of Close Relationships Scale and the Highly Sensitive Person Scale. The relationship between attachment orientation and sensory processing patterns, and preference for PA participation were analyzed using 2-sided independent t tests. Attachment avoidance, attachment anxiety, and sensory sensitivity were significantly related to participants' preference for PA participation in theoretically consistent ways. Avoidantly attached individuals were less likely to participate in PA as a form of social interaction (mean = 8.57, SD = 2.87, P = .005, d = 0.48). Anxiously attached individuals were more likely to participate in PA to support weight management (mean = 37.02, SD = 11.54, P = .01, d = -0.46) or if recommended by a health professional (mean = 43.55, SD = 12.45, P = .039, d = -0.88). Sensory sensitive individuals were more likely to participate in PA alone (mean = 124.11, SD = 19.23, P = .005, d = -0.510), and more likely to prefer light-intensity forms of PA (mean = 133.29, SD = 12.67, F3,123 = 5.49, P = .001). Findings highlight the potential value of considering an individual's attachment orientation and sensory processing patterns in the development of PA interventions. This may help to address the challenges of PA participation, by individually tailoring interventions to participants.

Sensory processing sensitivity as a predictor of health-related quality of life outcomes via stress and sleep quality

Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), linked to processing external and internal stimuli, has drawn attention to its associations with clinical factors, particularly with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) variables. This study examined the relationships among SPS, stress, sleep quality, and HRQOL, establishing an explanation model. Eight hundred adults (M = 26.66 years, SD = 12.24; range age: 18–85 years) completed self-administered questionnaires on SPS, stress, sleep quality, and HRQOL. Correlation analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to analyze HRQOL pathways. Stress positively correlated with sleep quality disturbances (r = 0.442, p < 0.001), and SPS (r = 0.344, p < 0.001). Sleep quality disturbances were weakly positively associated with SPS (r = 0.242, p < 0.001). Weak negative correlations emerged between stress and physical (r = -0.283, p < 0.001) and mental (r = − 0.271, p < 0.001) health, HRQOL main dimensions. SEM results showed SPS positively influenced sleep quality disturbances (β = 0.242, p < 0.05) stress (β = 0.413, p < 0.001) while negatively affecting physical health (β = − 0.126, p < 0.001). Sleep quality disturbances negatively affected physical (β = − 0.168, p < 0.001), and mental (β = − 0.189 , p < 0.001) health, and stress on mental health (β = − 0.492, p < 0.01). Indirect effects between SPS and physical (β = -0.036, p < 0.001) and mental (β = − 0.091, p < 0.001) health through sleep were observed, as well as a mediation of stress between SPS and mental health (β = − 0.196, p < 0.001). SPS, sleep quality disturbances, and stress emerged as significant predictors of self-rated physical and mental health in adults.

Relationship between Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Personality Traits

Reactions to stimuli vary from person to person. The same stimulus has different effects depending on the perception of different people and the physical and mental states they are in. Considering this difference, situations can be seen in which a person perceives a specific stimulus or group of stimuli as negative and disturbing for themselves. In particular, people with high levels of sensory processing sensitivity feel the negative effects of stimuli more intensely both in terms of their internal processes (hunger, pain, sadness, stress, etc.) and the situation of the physical environment (loud noise, bright light, pungent odor, etc.) which they are in. On the other hand, the existence of situations where sensory processing sensitivity has a positive effect is also noticeable. In this context, the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and personality traits is examined. The concept of personality is explained in different ways by many different theorists in the international literature. In order to avoid confusion that may arise in the definition and understanding of personality traits, in this review study, personality traits are examined on the basis of the Five Factor Personality Theory. Within the framework of the personality definition of the Five Factor Personality Theory, The relationship between five basic personality traits and sensory processing sensitivity is examined by also considering the subdimensions of each five personality traits.

Neurovascular Shifts, Sensory Sensitivity, and PMDD in Autistic Women: Exploring Blood Flow Redirection, Mood Dysregulation, and Pain Tolerance during Menstruation

This article examines the relationship between Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), neurovascular dynamics, and sensory sensitivities in autistic women during menstruation. The redirection of blood flow to the uterus during the menstrual cycle has been found to exacerbate cerebral perfusion deficits in neurodivergent individuals, particularly in the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC), which contributes to the mood dysregulation and emotional instability characteristic of PMDD. Autistic women, who often exhibit heightened sensory sensitivities, experience intensified discomfort during menstruation, as sensory overload and altered pain perception compound the emotional challenges of PMDD. These findings emphasize the need for neurodivergent-friendly menstrual products that mitigate both physical and emotional discomfort. Additionally, innovations using biodegradable materials, smart fabrics, and custom-fit menstrual solutions are discussed as potential breakthroughs to improve the quality of life for autistic women managing PMDD. This research highlights the importance of addressing both neurobiological and sensory aspects when designing interventions for PMDD in neurodivergent populations.

Oxytocin Receptor Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms Are Related to Maternal-Infant Co-Occupation and Infant Sensory Processing.

Caregiver-infant reciprocity is related to infant/toddler development and health. However, there is a dearth of research on reciprocity variables like co-occupation and developmental variables such as infant/toddler sensory processing/preferences, and it is important to understand the biopsychosocial mediators of these relations. These include novel genetic markers like maternal oxytocin receptor single-nucleotide polymorphisms (OXTR SNPs). Therefore, this study examined whether mothers carrying risk alleles for three OXTR SNPs displayed different co-occupational behaviors with their infants and whether their infants/toddlers showed different sensory processing/preferences. Data from the Infant Development and Healthy Outcomes in Mothers Study included prenatal saliva samples assayed for OXTR SNPs, 6-month postnatal behavioral observations coded for maternal-infant co-occupations (reciprocal emotionality, physicality, and intentionality), and 10-, 14-, and 18-month postnatal, maternal-reported Infant/Toddler Sensory Profiles (classified as within or outside the majority range for low registration, sensory seeking, sensory sensitivity, and sensory avoiding). Mothers with rs53576 risk allele A engaged in more frequent reciprocal emotionality, while those with rs2254298 risk allele A engaged in less frequent reciprocal emotionality but more frequent reciprocal intentionality. Mothers with rs53576 risk allele A had infants with 11 times greater odds of being outside of the majority range for sensation avoiding at 10 months old. The results converge with the literature supporting links between OXTR SNPs, caregiver reciprocity, and infant/toddler development but extend the findings to relatively novel constructs (caregiver-infant co-occupations and infant/toddler sensory processing/preferences).

Prospective Interrelation Between Sensory Sensitivity and Fine Motor Skills During the First 18 Months Predicts Later Autistic Features.

Sensory features are included in the diagnostic criteria of autism and atypical sensory responsiveness may produce "cascading effects" on later development. Similarly, autistic individuals often struggle with motor coordination and early delays in the motor domain appear to be linked to later development. However, the longitudinal interrelation between early sensory profiles and motor features on later socio-communicative skills remains to be defined. This study aimed to investigate whether sensory sensitivity impacts fine motor abilities and vice versa from 12 to 18 months of age and to examine how sensory-motor interplay would be associated with later autistic traits at 24-36 months of age. The sample included 118 infant siblings of autistic children recruited at 12 months of age. Sensory sensitivity and eye-hand coordination were assessed at 12 and 18 months of age and autistic traits were evaluated at 24-36 months of age. Cross-lagged panel analysis revealed significant within-domain effects for sensory sensitivity and eye-hand coordination from 12 to 18 months. Furthermore, a significant association between these two domains on later autistic traits was found. In analyzing the longitudinal bidirectional relationship, we found that lower eye-hand coordination skills at 12 months predicted later sensory sensitivity at 18 months, and in turn, social communication skills at 24-36 months. The present study offers new empirical evidence supporting the potential clinical value of including sensory and motor measures besides social communication skills within early autism surveillance programs.

Subjective visual sensitivity in neurotypical adults: insights from a magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.

Altered subjective visual sensitivity manifests as feelings of discomfort or overload elicited by intense and irritative visual stimuli. This can result in a host of visual aberrations including visual distortions, elementary visual hallucinations and visceral responses like dizziness and nausea, collectively referred to as "pattern glare." Current knowledge of the underlying neural mechanisms has focused on overall excitability of the visual cortex, but the individual contribution of excitatory and inhibitory systems has not yet been quantified. In this study, we focus on the role of glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as potential mediators of individual differences in subjective visual sensitivity, measured by a computerized Pattern Glare Test-a series of monochromatic square-wave gratings with three different spatial frequencies, while controlling for psychological variables related to sensory sensitivity with multiple questionnaires. Resting neurotransmitter concentrations in primary visual cortex (V1) and right anterior insula were studied in 160 healthy participants using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Data showed significant differences in the perception of visual distortions (VD) and comfort scores between men and women, with women generally reporting more VD, and therefore the modulatory effect of sex was considered in a further examination. A general linear model analysis showed a negative effect of occipital glutamate on a number of reported visual distortions, but also a significant role of several background psychological traits. When assessing comfort scores in women, an important intervening variable was the menstrual cycle. Our findings do not support that baseline neurotransmitter levels have a significant role in overreactivity to aversive stimuli in neurotypical population. However, we demonstrated that biological sex can have a significant impact on subjective responses. Based on this additional finding, we suggest that future studies investigate aversive visual stimuli while examining the role of biological sex.

The effect of proprioceptive vestibular rehabilitation on sensory-motor symptoms and quality of life.

Peripheral vestibular hypofunction (PVH) is characterized by balance and gait disorders and vestibulo-autonomic findings. The vestibular system and proprioceptive system work together to regulate sensorimotor functions. Vestibular exercises are effective in PVH, but their superiority over each other is still unclear. This study aims to examine the effect of proprioceptive vestibular exercises on patients with PVH. 30 individuals with unilateral PVH were assigned to 3 groups. Group 1 received proprioceptive vestibular rehabilitation, group 2 received standard vestibular rehabilitation. Both groups were given standard vestibular exercises as home exercises. No exercise was applied to the group 3. Patients were evaluated in terms of balance, functional mobility, posture, sensory profile, and quality of life. Although there was a significant intra-group difference in balance, functional mobility, and quality of life results in all groups (p < 0.05), the difference between groups was generally in favor of group 1 (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the groups in the posture analysis results (p < 0.05), while there was a significant difference in the 1st group (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the groups in the results of sensory sensitivity, sensory avoidance, and low recording (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in sensory-seeking results (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference in quality of life between and within groups (p < 0.05). Proprioceptive vestibular rehabilitation is an effective method in PVH. We think that our study will guide clinicians and contribute to the literature. NCT04687371.

Exploring Dietary Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves social communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors, and it has a growing prevalence worldwide. Symptoms include cognitive impairments, gastrointestinal (GI) issues, feeding difficulties, and psychological problems. A significant concern in ASD is food selectivity, leading to nutrient deficiencies. Common GI issues in ASD, such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, stem from abnormal gut flora and immune system dysregulation. Sensory sensitivities and behavioral challenges exacerbate these problems, correlating with neurological symptom severity. Children with ASD also exhibit higher oxidative stress due to low antioxidant levels like glutathione. Therapeutic diets, including ketogenic, high-antioxidant, gluten-free and casein-free, and probiotic-rich diets, show potential in managing ASD symptoms like behavior, communication, GI issues, and oxidative stress, though the evidence is limited. Various studies have focused on different populations, but there is increasing concern about the impact among children. This review aims to highlight the food preferences of the ASD population, analyze the effect of the physicochemical and nutritional properties of foods on the selectivity in its consumption, GI problems, and antioxidant deficiencies in individuals with ASD, and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic diets, including diets rich in antioxidants, gluten-free and casein-free, ketogenic and essential fatty acids, and probiotic-rich diets in managing these challenges.

Intergenerational Pathways Linking Mothers’ Childhood Traumatic Experiences and Preschoolers’ Prosocial Behaviors

ABSTRACT Research Findings: The present study investigated the potential mediating role of maternal parenting in the intergenerational effects of maternal childhood traumatic experiences (CTEs) on prosocial behaviors of their offspring and examined whether the offspring’s sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) moderates this association using a 1-year longitudinal design. A total of 203 preschoolers (M age = 4.84, SD = 0.64, 96 girls, at T1) and their mothers participated in this study. Mothers completed questionnaires assessing their own CTEs and parenting toward their offspring, and offspring’s SPS and prosocial behaviors. Results indicated that maternal neglect experiences could intergenerationally directly influence their offspring’s prosocial behaviors in early childhood (β = −0.20, p = .012), as well as having an indirect influence through the mediating role of maternal authoritative parenting (indirect effect = −0.09, p = .009). Moreover, aesthetic sensitivity (AES) and low sensory threshold (LST), two subdimensions of SPS, moderated the predictive influence of authoritative parenting on preschoolers’ prosocial behaviors (AES: β = 0.17, p = .005; LST: β = 0.17, p = .006). Practice or Policy: The findings provide new evidence for understanding the intergenerational influence of different maternal CTEs on prosocial behaviors among children with different SPS and have implications for alleviating the intergenerational negative effects on children’s prosocial behaviors.

The DOES Scale: Measuring Sensory Processing Sensitivity as a Trait Constellation

Based on Aron’s (2020) DOES model, we developed the DOES Scale to measure Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) with four dimensions: Depth of Processing, Overstimulation, Emotional Reactivity, and Sensing the Subtle. Using interview data from the study by Roth et al. (2023), we created a 20-item questionnaire (5 items per dimension) in German and English. In three studies with 1,365 subjects from Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and the UK, we evaluated the psychometric properties of the scale using confirmatory factor analysis and examined construct validity with the established Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS) and different personality measures. The results confirmed each subscale’s unidimensionality and good psychometric properties. Considering the four subscales together indicated that they could be best described as correlated factors rather than in terms of a second-order factor. Convergent validity was confirmed, especially for Overstimulation in its association with the HSPS total score and its subscales EOE and LST. Regarding discriminant validity, the Sensing the Subtle dimension exhibited clear distinctiveness, while the other three subscales overlapped with neuroticism, extraversion, empathy, and rumination, aligning with theoretical expectations. The DOES Scale emerges as a reliable, valid tool for assessing SPS, recommending its four dimensions be interpreted as a trait constellation.

The Literature Review of Sensory Processing Sensitivity

Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is a personal characteristic that significantly affects a series of individual behaviors, which makes SPS has long been widely concerned and studied by scholars. However, although scholars have carried out a lot of research on SPS, the existing research has not systematically and comprehensively sorted out and explored SPS, which is not conducive for scholars to have a comprehensive understanding of SPS. Based on this research status, firstly, this study teases out the existing SPS research, systematically introduces the concept of SPS, expounds its differences and connections with similar constructs, and discusses different measurement scales of SPS. Secondly, this study reviews the antecedents and consequences of SPS. Antecedents include innate factors and acquired environmental factors, while consequences are reviewed and sorted out from both positive and negative aspects. Finally, this study proposes directions for future research on SPS, thus providing ideas and directions for scholars to continue to explore SPS. This study aims to provide a comprehensive academic foundation for further exploration of SPS.

An investigation testing the perceptual advantage of Sensory Processing Sensitivity and its associations with the Big Five personality traits

This study investigated whether sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is associated with a perceptual advantage, rather than just heightened brain, emotional and behavioural reactivity. Participants (N = 222) were tested on detection and identification of visually degraded words at three levels of difficulty, and completed the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS) and the Big Five Inventory. The positive subscale of the HSPS predicted both the detection and identification of visually degraded stimuli, and beyond the Big Five traits. This contradicts claims that SPS is solely a combination of Big Five traits. Importantly, the perceptual advantage for highly sensitives may balance the disadvantages of being easily overwhelmed by stimuli and indicates separate evolutionary advantages and strategies for high and low SPS humans and other mammals.

Olfactory performance and odor liking are negatively associated with food neophobia in children aged between 3 and 9 years

BackgroundChild food neophobia, i.e., rejection or avoidance of novel foods at a young age, is a prevalent nutrition problem that affects the quality of children’s diet and impedes the development of healthy food preferences. Sensory sensitivity can relate to the degree of food neophobia, but previous studies rarely focused on the olfactory component of this problem in children.ObjectiveWe aimed to thoroughly examine the relationship between various aspects of olfactory sensitivity and food neophobia in children.Methods246 children aged between three and nine years took part in a food neophobia assessment as well as in a comprehensive, psychophysical olfactory testing.ResultsWe found that certain smell perception aspects such as lower odor liking, poorer odor identification ability as well as lower sensitivity to an unknown non-food odor all significantly predicted higher food neophobia in children. Among individual characteristics of either a child or a caregiver, only the child’s age significantly and positively predicted food neophobia. The exploratory model looking into the role of family environment factors predicting self-reported food neophobia in children revealed that food neophobia was associated with lower control given to a child in this child’s feeding process, as well as with a more frequent use of food as a reward in feeding.ConclusionsWe suggest that suppressed olfactory perception and performance can play a unique role in child nutritional difficulties. The study inspires further considerations of olfaction-engaging interventions to counteract food-neophobia in children.

Sensory processing sensitivity in relation to coping strategies: exploring the mediating role of depression, anxiety and stress

Existing research on sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) focuses majorly on populations involving children, those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and those belonging to the Western countries. This study aims to contribute in bridging this gap by exploring the mediating role of Depression, Anxiety, Stress on the relationship between SPS and coping strategies in the general population, while also assessing the prevalence of these variables. Data was collected from a convenience sample of 107 participants (mean age = 20.6 years, 57.9% females). Participants’ responses were recorded for the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS), the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Coping Strategies Inventory-Short Form (CSI-SF). Correlational and mediation analyses of SPS, coping strategies and Depression, Anxiety and Stress were done. In the sample, 31.78% of individuals were found to be Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs). The findings revealed significant relationships between SPS, Depression, Anxiety, Stress and coping strategies. Depression and Anxiety were observed to be significant mediators. While SPS as a trait may not be inherently modifiable, our results on its association with emotion-focused disengagement coping provide insight into target dysfunctional patterns for effective management of depression, stress, and anxiety. Further research is warranted to enhance the applicability of this study.