The Different Faces of (High) Sensitivity, Toward a More Comprehensive Measurement Instrument. Development and...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) is a trait involving sensitivity to stimuli, depth of processing, and emotional reactivity.
• Existing measures may not fully capture the multifaceted nature of SPS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate the Sensory Processing Sensitivity Questionnaire (SPSQ).
• To assess SPS as a construct with distinct facets and higher-order dimensions.

Main Methods:

• Item pool generation (60 items) followed by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) yielding 43 items across six factors.
• Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported a higher-order bi-factor model.
• Correlations with the Highly Sensitive Person Scale and Adult Temperament Questionnaire assessed convergent validity.

Main Results:

• The SPSQ comprises six factors: Sensory Sensitivity to Subtle Internal and External Stimuli, Emotional and Physiological Reactivity, Sensory Discomfort, Sensory Comfort, Social-Affective Sensitivity, and Esthetic Sensitivity.
• A higher-order bi-factor model with positive and negative dimensions, a general sensitivity factor, and six specific factors demonstrated the best fit.
• Emotional and Physiological Reactivity and the negative higher-order dimension strongly correlated with Neuroticism and clinical outcomes.
• Esthetic Sensitivity positively correlated with Openness.

Conclusions:

• The SPSQ is a valid and reliable measure for assessing Sensory Processing Sensitivity.
• SPS has distinct positive (e.g., Esthetic Sensitivity) and negative (e.g., Emotional and Physiological Reactivity) dimensions.
• The SPSQ's findings align with established personality constructs and clinical relevance.