Sensory processing sensitivity as a modulator of cognitive performance in adults with and without depression

Depression symptoms have been consistently associated with reduced cognitive performance; however, substantial heterogeneity exists in cognitive outcomes among individuals reporting such symptoms. Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) may contribute to this variability. The present study examined cognitive performance in adults with and without relevant depressive symptoms and evaluated the role of SPS and personality traits in accounting for differential cognitive patterns.

A total of 120 Spanish-speaking adults aged 18-70, with varying levels of depressive symptoms, were assessed. General cognitive ability was measured using the WAIS-IV General Ability Index (GAI). SPS was assessed using the S-SPSQ-26, including Positive and Negative Sensitivity subscales. Personality traits were measured with the NEO-FFI-3, and depressive symptoms were assessed using the BDI-II. Group comparisons, Pearson correlations, and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between depressive symptoms levels, sensory processing sensitivity, personality traits, and cognitive performance.

In the total sample, depressive symptoms levels were not directly associated with GAI at the correlational level. However, subgroup and regression analyses revealed that the association between Positive Sensitivity and GAI differed as a function of depressive symptoms levels. Among individuals with lower levels of depressive symptoms, Positive Sensitivity was positively associated with GAI, whereas among those with higher levels, it was negatively associated. A significant interaction between depressive symptoms levels and Positive Sensitivity supported a context-dependent pattern of cognitive performance.

These findings suggest that cognitive performance in individuals with depressive symptoms may be partly shaped by temperamental sensitivity. Sensory Processing Sensitivity was not associated with lower GAI in the absence of elevated depressive symptoms, but its association with cognitive performance appeared to vary as a function of affective context. Given the cross-sectional design, causal interpretations cannot be drawn. Considering temperamental factors may enhance the interpretation of neuropsychological performance in individuals with depressive symptoms.