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Sensory Processing Difficulties, Behavioral Problems, and Parental Stress in a Clinical Population of Young Children

Lauren Gourley1, Carina Wind1, Erin M Henninger1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 Early Childhood Center, 1731 Seminole Avenue Bronx, NY 10461.

Journal of Child and Family Studies
|January 21, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Children with sensory processing difficulties often experience behavioral problems and increase parental stress. Early identification and treatment of sensory issues can improve outcomes and reduce stress for families.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Sensory processing difficulties are common in children with developmental and behavioral challenges.
  • The relationship between sensory processing, behavior, and parental stress requires further investigation in clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the prevalence of sensory processing difficulties in young children with developmental and behavioral issues.
  • To investigate the correlation between sensory processing difficulties, behavioral problems, and parental stress.
  • To explore the impact of co-occurring sensory processing difficulties and behavioral concerns on parental stress.

Main Methods:

  • A clinical sample of 59 children (ages 2-5) from an urban, low-income community participated.
  • Parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist, Parental Stress Inventory-Short Form, and Short Sensory Profile.
  • Statistical analyses were used to determine correlations and group differences.

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence (55.9%) of sensory processing difficulties was observed, exceeding previous reports.
  • Sensory processing deficits were significantly correlated with increased behavioral problems and parental stress.
  • Parents of children with sensory processing deficits reported significantly higher parental stress levels.

Conclusions:

  • Sensory processing difficulties are prevalent in young children with developmental and behavioral issues and are linked to increased behavioral problems and parental stress.
  • Addressing sensory processing difficulties in clinical practice may improve treatment outcomes and reduce parental stress.
  • Training mental health clinicians to identify and manage sensory problems could lead to better screening and treatment, ultimately lowering parental stress.

Keywords:
Behavioral DifficultiesParental StressPreschool Aged ChildrenSensory Processing DisorderShort Sensory Profile

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