Preprint Review Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Sensory Processing Sensitivity in the Context of Environmental Sensitivity: A Critical Review and Development of Research Agenda

Version 1 : Received: 6 September 2018 / Approved: 10 September 2018 / Online: 10 September 2018 (04:58:01 CEST)

How to cite: Greven, C. U.; Lionetti, F.; Booth, C.; Aron, E.; Fox, E.; Schendan, H. E.; Pluess, M.; Bruining, H.; Acevedo, B.; Bijttebier, P.; Homberg, J. Sensory Processing Sensitivity in the Context of Environmental Sensitivity: A Critical Review and Development of Research Agenda. Preprints 2018, 2018090149. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints201809.0149.v1 Greven, C. U.; Lionetti, F.; Booth, C.; Aron, E.; Fox, E.; Schendan, H. E.; Pluess, M.; Bruining, H.; Acevedo, B.; Bijttebier, P.; Homberg, J. Sensory Processing Sensitivity in the Context of Environmental Sensitivity: A Critical Review and Development of Research Agenda. Preprints 2018, 2018090149. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints201809.0149.v1

Abstract

Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) is a trait describing inter-individual differences in sensitivity to environments, both positive and negative ones. SPS has attracted growing societal interest. However, (neuro)scientific evidence is lagging behind. We critically discuss how to measure SPS, how it relates to other theories of Environmental Sensitivity and other temperament and personality traits, how SPS interacts with environments to influence (a)typical development, what the underlying aetiologies and mechanisms are, and its relation to mental disorders involving sensory sensitivities. Drawing on the diverse expertise of the authors, we set an agenda for future research to stimulate the field. We conclude that SPS is a heritable, evolutionarily conserved trait, linked to increased risk for psychopathology and stress-related problems in response to negative environments, as well as to greater benefits (e.g., intervention responsivity, positive mood) in positive environments. We need advances in objective assessment of SPS, understanding mechanisms, differentiating it from (seemingly) related mental disorders, to exploit the potential of SPS to improve mental health, preserve human capital, and prevent adverse effects.

Keywords

sensory processing sensitivity; highly sensitive person; highly sensitive child; differential susceptibility; environmental sensitivity; temperament; personality; aetiology; animal model; neuroscience; cognition; mental health

Subject

Social Sciences, Psychology

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