Sensory processing sensitivity in the context of environmental sensitivity: A critical review and development of research agenda
Publication year
2019Source
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 98, (2019), pp. 287-305ISSN
Publication type
Article / Letter to editor
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Organization
Cognitive Neuroscience
PI Group MR Techniques in Brain Function
Journal title
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
Volume
vol. 98
Page start
p. 287
Page end
p. 305
Subject
150 000 MR Techniques in Brain Function; Radboudumc 13: Stress-related disorders DCMN: Donders Center for Medical Neuroscience; Radboudumc 7: Neurodevelopmental disorders DCMN: Donders Center for Medical NeuroscienceAbstract
Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) is a common, heritable and evolutionarily conserved trait describing inter-individual differences in sensitivity to both negative and positive environments. Despite societal interest in SPS, scientific knowledge is lagging behind. Here, we critically discuss how SPS relates to other theories, how to measure SPS, whether SPS is a continuous vs categorical trait, its relation to other temperament and personality traits, the underlying aetiology and neurobiological mechanisms, and relations to both typical and atypical development, including mental and sensory disorders. Drawing on the diverse expertise of the authors, we set an agenda for future research to stimulate the field. We conclude that SPS increases risk for stress-related problems in response to negative environments, but also provides greater benefit from positive and supportive experiences. The field requires more reliable and objective assessment of SPS, and deeper understanding of its mechanisms to differentiate it from other traits. Future research needs to target prevention of adverse effects associated with SPS, and exploitation of its positive potential to improve well-being and mental health.
This item appears in the following Collection(s)
- Academic publications [238430]
- Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging [3824]
- Electronic publications [122512]
- Faculty of Medical Sciences [90359]
- Open Access publications [97507]
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