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Extreme sensory processing in high intellectual potential individuals : a systematic review.
Gabrielle Pouilloux1, Hélène Sido2, Clément Polin1,3
1Department of Research and Innovation, Esquirol Hospital, Limoges, France.
BMC Psychology
|June 12, 2026
Summary
This systematic review found no consistent evidence that individuals with High Intellectual Potential (HIP) exhibit extreme sensory processing. Methodological limitations and conceptual heterogeneity in studies hinder definitive conclusions about sensory differences in gifted populations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Gifted Education
Background:
- Sensitivity is often linked to High Intellectual Potential (HIP).
- Extreme sensory processing in HIP individuals lacks systematic review.
- This review addresses heightened or diminished sensory responsiveness in HIP populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize research on extreme sensory processing in individuals with High Intellectual Potential.
- To critically examine theoretical frameworks, assessment tools, and methodological quality of relevant studies.
- To evaluate the evidence for unique sensory processing profiles in HIP individuals.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Comprehensive database search (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, etc.) using keywords like 'sensory', 'sensitivity', 'high intelligence', and 'gifted'.
- Inclusion criteria focused on studies examining sensory processing in response to internal or external stimuli in HIP populations.
Main Results:
- Only 5 out of 739 screened articles met inclusion criteria, indicating a scarcity of relevant research.
- Studies exhibited significant conceptual heterogeneity in theoretical frameworks, constructs, and measurement tools.
- No convergent evidence was found for a generalized or extreme sensory processing profile in HIP populations; findings were inconsistent.
Conclusions:
- Current literature does not support the hypothesis of extreme sensory processing in individuals with High Intellectual Potential.
- Variability in theoretical and methodological approaches limits the ability to draw unified conclusions.
- Future research requires standardized methodologies, clear cognitive characterizations, and control for confounding variables to clarify sensory processing in HIP individuals.
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