Manifestation of Sensory Processing Sensitivity in Physical, Emotional, Interpersonal, and Cognitive Spheres in Preschoolers

• In Event: New Insights on Environmental Sensitivity in Early Childhood

Abstract

Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) is a phenotypic trait characterized by deep information processing of the environment at a cognitive, sensory, and emotional level. Thus, SPS has a great influence on different life areas. Empirical evidence shows that for highly sensitive people, the environment they develop is particularly important. The present research is based on the assumptions of the Sensory Processing Sensitivity concept and the Environmental Sensitivity meta-framework, which suggests that individuals differ in their sensitivity to the environment, with some being more sensitive than others. The purpose of this study is to psychometrically evaluate a parent-report and teachers-report version of the Questionnaire of Sensory Processing Sensitivity in Children (QSPSC). QSPSC is a new instrument designed to measure the temperamental trait of Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) in 3-6-year-old children. We will present the development of the scale, which included qualitative research (focus groups based on a semi-structured interview exploring the functioning of children in the physical, emotional, interpersonal, and cognitive spheres). Questionnaire data from over 207 parents (194 mothers and 13 fathers) and 58 teachers (57 women and one man) about 546 preschool children (3-6 years) were analyzed with Psych package. The classical psychometric approach enabled an Exploratory Factor Analysis, a classical psychometrics index for reliability, whereas the Item Response Theory approach facilitated the new psychometric analysis. The subscales allow for the evaluation of the manifestation of SPS in the following spheres: physical (related to aspects such as noises, smells, or lights), emotional (e.g., compassion, emotional processes, self-regulation), interpersonal (such as social relationships, the way of communicating) and cognitive (for instance thinking processes, the strategies of dealing with tasks). The number of QSPSC items varies from 40 to 42, depending on the version of the questionnaire. The results show that the QAPSC is a reliable and valid measurement of the SPS construct. The proposed approach allows for better design of support and provides a picture of SPS manifestations, which can help in the implementation of the developmental tasks. The Questionnaire of Sensory Processing Sensitivity in Children (QSPSC) teacher-report and parent-report version was validated by assessing correlations with related scales; EAS Temperament Questionnaire and the Highly Sensitive Child - scale. Further work on the scale is underway. Due to the specific functioning of highly sensitive children (e.g., particular sensitivity to external stimuli such as light, temperature, the texture of materials, noise, as well as internal stimuli, such as pain or hunger), a method was developed to identify a trait based on behaviors occurring in everyday life situations.

Authors

• Monika Baryła-Matejczuk, WSEI University
  Presenting Author

• Nicolás Ruiz-Robledillo, University of Alicante

• Natalia Albaladejo-Blázquez, University of Alicante. Spain

• Rosario Ferrer-Cascales, University of Alicante

• Manuel Fernández-Alcántara, University of Alicante

• Maria Rubio-Aparicio

• Borja Costa-López