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Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Examining relationships between sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), physical activity context preferences, and
Beth Hanson1, Shauna M Burke1,2, Patricia Tucker3
1Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of American College Health : J of ACH
|July 31, 2026
Summary
University students with higher Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) prefer controllable physical activity (PA) settings. Developing self-efficacy and offering adaptable PA options can improve engagement for these students.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Health Sciences
- Higher Education
Background:
- Regular physical activity (PA) is crucial for health, yet university environments often lead to decreased PA among students.
- Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) is a personality trait influencing environmental responsiveness, potentially impacting health behaviors like PA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) and university students' perceptions of physical activity (PA) environments.
- To explore how SPS relates to PA context preferences and self-efficacy in university students.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 425 undergraduate students from Ontario universities.
- Data collected via the Highly Sensitive Person 12-Item Scale, Self-Efficacy for Physical Activity Scale, and PA context preference questionnaires.
- Statistical analyses included correlation coefficients and regression analyses to quantify relationships.
Main Results:
- Higher SPS correlated with preferences for scheduled, at-home, and adjustable-difficulty PA settings.
- Individuals with higher SPS showed reduced preferences for competitive, team-based, and high-volume PA.
- A significant negative association was found between higher SPS and PA self-efficacy (r = -0.240, p < .001).
Conclusions:
- Controllable physical activity (PA) contexts and self-efficacy development may enhance PA accessibility for university students with higher Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS).
- Tailoring PA interventions to accommodate the preferences of sensitive individuals could improve participation rates in university settings.
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