Theoretical background of high sensitivity ‒ systematic review

Monika Baryła-Matejczuk

Institute of Psychology and Human Sciences, WSEI University
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2321-9999

Rosario Ferrer-Cascales

Department of Health Psychology, University of Alicante
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6015-7454

Natalia Albaladejo-Blázquez

Department of Health Psychology, University of Alicante
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9116-9092

Nicolas Ruiz-Robledillo

Department of Health Psychology, University of Alicante
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7522-5162

Manuel Fernández-Alcántara

Department of Health Psychology, University of Alicante
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3481-8156

Maria Rubio-Aparicio

Department of Health Psychology, University of Alicante
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2599-4246

Manuel Lillo-Crespo

Department of Health Psychology, University of Alicante
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2053-2808

Borja Costa-López

Department of Health Psychology, University of Alicante
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6658-768X


Abstrakt

Aim

The aim of the article is to systematize the knowledge regarding the theoretical background of the notion referred to in numerous studies as high sensitivity. The basis for the undertaken analyses is the concept of sensory processing sensitivity, which is important for the theoretical development of the issue of environmental sensitivity. Due to its application value, the concept is used in applied studies of individual differences in sensitivity to environmental stimuli. Based thereon, psychometric tools are developed to measure sensitivity, understood as a phenotypic trait in adults and children.

Method

The article presents qualitative research that was carried out using a systematic literature review (PRISMA) as part of the project “High sensitivity ‒ innovative module in human sciences” (HSP) No. 2020-1-PL01-KA203-082261. The study was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scopus.

Results

As part of the systematic review, 821 articles were identified containing the keywords “sensory processing sensitivity” OR “highly sensitive person” AND “theory” OR “theoretical background”. After eliminating duplicating articles (n = 33), titles and abstracts were analysed. In the next step, 705 articles were removed in line with the adopted exclusion criteria, and after analysing the full text, another 74 articles were excluded. Eventually, 12 articles were included in the review.

Conclusions

The obtained results indicate that in the context of the research conducted in this field, three main concepts are mentioned: Differential Sensitivity, Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Biological Sensitivity to Context. Research proves the independence of the sensory processing sensitivity trait from other traits, such as neuroticism or introversion. The concept of environmental sensitivity demonstrates its application value, and psychometric tools are developed within its framework. 


Słowa kluczowe:

high sensitivity, highly sensitive person, sensory processing sensitivity, environmental sensitivity, systematic review, theoretical background

Instytucje finansujące

Source of funding for the publication: The research carried out as part of the project “High sensitivity ‒ innovative module in human sciences” (HSP) No. 2020–1-PL01-KA203–082261 co-financed by the European Commission under the Erasmus program.


Acevedo, B. P. (2020). The basics of sensory processing sensitivity. In B. P. Acevedo (Ed.). The Highly Sensitive Brain. Research, Assessment and Treatment of Sensory Processing Sensitivity (pp. 1–15). Academic Press. DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-818251-2.00001-1.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Acevedo, B. P., Aron, E. N., Aron, A., Sangster, M. D., Collins, N., & Brown, L. L. (2014). The highly sensitive brain: An fMRI study of sensory processing sensitivity and response to others’ emotions. Brain and Behavior, 4(4), 580–594. DOI: 10.1002/brb3.242.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Acevedo, B., Aron, E., Pospos, S., & Jessen, D. (2018). The functional highly sensitive brain: A review of the brain circuits underlying sensory processing sensitivity and seemingly related disorders. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 373(1744). DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0161.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Acevedo, B. P., Jagiellowicz, J., Aron, E. N., Marhenke, R., & Aron, A. (2017). Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Childhood Quality’S Effects on Neural Responses To Emotional Stimuli. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 14(6), 359–373.   Google Scholar

Aron, E. N. (2002). The Highly Sensitive Child: Helping Our Children Thrive When The World Overwhelms Them. New York City: Harmony.   Google Scholar

Aron E. N., (2013). The Highly Sensitive Person. New York: Citadel Press. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/Highly-Sensitive-Person-Elaine-Aron-ebook/dp/B00GT1YES8.   Google Scholar

Aron, E. N., & Aron, A. (1997). Sensory-Processing Sensitivity and Its Relation to Introversion and Emotionality. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 73(2), 345–368. DOI: 10.1037/0022-3514.73.2.345.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Aron, E., Aron, A., & Davies, K. M. (2005). Adult shyness: The interaction of temperament al sensitivity and an adverse childhood environment. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 31, 181–197. DOI: 10.1177/0146167204271419.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Aron, E. N., Aron, A., & Jagiellowicz, J. (2012). Sensory Processing Sensitivity: A Review In the Light of the Evolution of Biological Responsivity. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 16(3), 262–282. DOI: 10.1177/1088868311434213.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Baryła-Matejczuk, M., Kata, G., & Poleszak, W. (2022). Environmental sensitivity in Young adolescents: The identification of sensitivity groups in a Polish sample. PLOS ONE, 17(7), e0271571. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271571.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Baryła-Matejczuk, M., Poleszak, W., & Porzak, R. (2021). Short Polish version of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale – exploring its multidimensional structure in a sample of emerging adults. Current Issues in Personality Psychology, 1–15. DOI: 10.5114/cipp.2021.107339.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Belsky, J., & Pluess, M. (2009). Beyond Diathesis Stress: Differential Susceptibility to Environmental Influences. Psychological Bulletin, 135(6), 885–908. DOI: 10.1037/a0017376.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Black, B. A., & Kern, M. L. (2020). A qualitative exploration of individual differences in wellbeing for highly sensitive individuals. Palgrave Communications, 6(1). DOI: 10.1057/s41599-020-0482-8.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Branjerdporn, G., Meredith, P., Strong, J., & Green, M. (2019). Sensory sensitivity and its relationship with adult attachment and parenting styles. PLOS ONE, 14(1). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209555.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Brindle, K., Moulding, R., Bakker, K., & Nedeljkovic, M. (2015). Is the relationship between sensory-processing sensitivity and negative affect mediated by emotional regulation? Australian Journal of Psychology, 67(4), 214–221. DOI: 10.1111/ajpy.12084.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Bröhl, A. S., Leeuwen, K. Van, Pluess, M., Fruyt, F. De, Bastin, M., Weyn, S., …Bijttebier, P. (2020). First look at the five-factor model personality facet associations with sensory processing sensitivity. Current Psychology, 41(6), 5304–5047. DOI: 10.1007/s12144-020-00998-5.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Chacón, A., Pérez-Chacón, M., Borda-Mas, M., Avargues-Navarro, M. L., & López-Jiménez, A. M. (2021). Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale to the Adult Spanish Population (HSPS-S). Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 14, 1041–1052. DOI: 10.2147/PRBM.S321277.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Chavez, C., Pauw, S. S. W. De, Ijzendoorn, M. H. Van, Maat, D. A. De, Kok, R., & Prinzie, P. (2021). No differential susceptibility or diathesis stress to parenting in early adolescence: Personality facets predicting behaviour problems. Personality and Individual Differences, 170(May 2020), 110406. DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.110406.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Craik, F. M., & Lockhart, R. S. (1972). Levels of Processing: A Framework for Memory Research. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 11, 671–684. DOI: 10.1016/S0022_5371(72)80001_X.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Degnan, K. A., & Fox, N. A. (2007). Behavioral inhibition and anxiety disorders: Multiple levels of a resilience process. Development and Psychopathology, 19(3), 729–746. DOI: 10.1017/S0954579407000363.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Downes, M. J., Brennan, M. L., Williams, H. C., & Dean, R. S. (2016). Development of a critical appraisal tool to assess the quality of cross-sectional studies (AXIS). BMJ Open, 6(12), e011458. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011458.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Ellis, B. J., Boyce, W. T., Belsky, J., Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J., & Van Ijzendoorn, M. H. (2011). Differential susceptibility to the environment: An evolutionary-neurodevelopmental theory. Development and Psychopathology, 23(1), 7–28. DOI: 10.1017/S0954579410000611.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Ershova, R. V., Yarmotz, E. V., Koryagina, T. M., Semeniak, I. V., Shlyakhta, D. A., & Tarnow, E. (2018). A psychometric evaluation of the highly sensitive person scale: The components of sensory-processing sensitivity. Electronic Journal of General Medicine, 15(6). DOI: 10.29333/ejgm/100634.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Falkenstein, T. (2019). Highly Sensitive Man. Finding Strength in Sensitivity. New York: Citadel Press.   Google Scholar

Greven, C. U., Lionetti, F., Booth, C., Aron, E. N., Fox, E., Schendan, H. E., …Homberg, J. (2019). Sensory Processing Sensitivity in the context of Environmental Sensitivity: a critical review and development of research agenda. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 98(January), 287–305. DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.01.009.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Hellwig, S., & Roth, M. (2021). Conceptual ambiguities and measurement issues in sensory processing sensitivity. Journal of Research in Personality, 93, 104–130. DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2021.104130.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Higgins, J. P., Sterne, J. A., Savović, J., Page, M. J., Hróbjartsson, A., Boutron, I., …Eldridge, S. (2016). A revised tool for assessing risk of bias in randomized trials. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 10(Suppl 1), 29–31. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD201601.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Homberg, J. R., Schubert, D., Asan, E., & Aron, E. N. (2016). Sensory processing sensitivity and serotonin gene variance: Insights into mechanisms shaping environmental sensitivity. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 71, 472–483. DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev. 2016.09.029.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Iimura, S., & Kibe, C. (2020). Highly Sensitive Adolescent Benefits in Positive School Transitions: Evidence for Vantage Sensitivity in Japanese High-Schoolers. Developmental Psychology, 56(8), 1565–1581. DOI: 10.1037/dev0000991.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Iimura, S. (2021). Highly sensitive adolescents: The relationship between weekly life events and weekly socioemotional well-being. British Journal of Psychology, 112(4), 1103–1129. DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12505.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Jagiellowicz, J., Aron, A., & Aron, E. (2016). Relationship Between the Temperament Trait of Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Emotional Reactivity. Social Behavior and Personality, 44(2), 185–200. DOI: 10.2224/sbp.2016.44.2.185.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Jagiellowicz, J., Xu, X., Aron, A., Aron, E., Cao, G., Feng, T., & Weng, X. (2011). The trait of sensory processing sensitivity and neural responses to changes in visual scenes. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 6(1), 38–47. DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsq001.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Khosravani, V., Ganji, Z., Sharifi Bastan, F., Samimi Ardestani, S. M., & Amirinezhad, A. (2021). Psychometric properties of the highly sensitive person scale and its relation to symptom dimensions in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Current Psychology, 40, 2725–2734. DOI: 10.1007/s12144-019-00212-1.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Konrad, S., & Herzberg, P. Y. (2017). Psychometric Properties and Validation of a German High Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS-G). European Journal of Psychological Assessment, 35(3). DOI: 10.1027/1015-5759/a000411.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Lionetti, F., Aron, A., Aron, E. N., Burns, G. L., Jagiellowicz, J., & Pluess, M. (2018). Dandelions, tulips and orchids: Evidence for the existence of low-sensitive, medium-sensitive and high-sensitive individuals. Translational Psychiatry, 8(1), 24. DOI: 10.1038/ s41398-017-0090-6.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Lionetti, F., Pastore, M., Moscardino, U., Nocentini, A., Pluess, K., & Pluess, M. (2019a). Sensory Processing Sensitivity and its association with personality traits and affect: A meta-analysis. Journal of Research in Personality, 81, 138–152. DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2019.05.013.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Lionetti, F., Pluess, M., Aron, E., Aron, A., & Klein, D. (2019b). Observer-rated environment al sensitivity moderates children’s response to parenting quality in early childhood. Developmental Psychology, 55(11), 2389–2402. DOI: 10.1037/dev0000795.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Liss, M., Mailloux, J., & Erchull, M. J. (2008). The relationships between sensory processing sensitivity, alexithymia, autism, depression, and anxiety. Personality and Individual Differences, 45(3), 255–259. DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2008.04.009.
Crossref   Google Scholar

May, A. K., Norris, S. A., Richter, L. M., & Pitman, M. M. (2022). A psychometric evaluation of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale in ethnically and culturally heterogeneous South African samples. Current Psychology, 41(7), 4760–4774. DOI: 10.1007/s12144-020-00988-7.
Crossref   Google Scholar

May, A. K., & Pitman, M. M. (2021). The association between sensory processing sensitivity, the five-factor model and university adjustment amongst South African university students. Current Psychology. DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02035-5.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., & Altman, D. G. (2010). Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: The PRISMA statement. International Journal of Surgery, 8, 336–341. DOI: 10.1136/bmj.b2535.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Nocentini, A., Menesini, E., & Pluess, M. (2018). The Personality Trait of Environmental Sensitivity Predicts Children’s Positive Response to School-Based Antibullying Intervention. Clinical Psychological Science, 6(6), 848–859. DOI: 10.1177/2167702618782194.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Pluess, M. (2015). Individual Differences in Environmental Sensitivity. Child Development Perspectives, 9(3), 138–143. DOI: 10.1111/cdep.12120.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Pluess, M., Assary, E., Lionetti, F., Lester, K. J., Krapohl, E., Aron, E. N., & Aron, A. (2018). Environmental sensitivity in children: Development of the highly sensitive child scale and identification of sensitivity groups. Developmental Psychology, 54(1), 51–70. DOI: 10.1037/dev0000406.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Pluess, M., & Belsky, J. (2010). Differential susceptibility to parenting and quality child care. Developmental Psychology, 46(2), 379–390. DOI: 10.1037/a0015203.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Pluess, M., & Belsky, J. (2013). Vantage sensitivity: Individual differences in response to positive experiences. Psychological Bulletin, 139(4), 901–916. DOI: 10.1037/a0030196.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Pluess, M., Boniwell, I., Hefferon, K., & Tunariu, A. (2017). Preliminary evaluation of a school-based resilience-promoting intervention in a high-risk population: Application of an exploratory two-cohort treatment/control design. PLOS ONE, 12(5). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177191.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Shakiba, N., Ellis, B., Bush, N., & Boyce, W. (2019). Biological sensitivity to context: A test of the hypothesized U-shaped relation between early adversity and stress responsivity. Development and Psychopathology, 32(2), 641–660. DOI: 10.1017/S0954579419000518.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Slagt, M., Dubas, J. S., van Aken, M. A. G., Ellis, B. J., & Deković, M. (2017). Children’s differentia susceptibility to parenting: An experimental test of “for better and for worse”. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 154, 78‒97. DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2016.10.004.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Smolewska, K. A., McCabe, S. B., & Woody, E. Z. (2006). A psychometric evaluation of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale: The components of sensory-processing sensitivity and their relation to the BIS/BAS and “Big Five”. Personality and Individual Differences, 40(6), 1269–1279. DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2005.09.022.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Tillmann, T., Bertrams, A., El Matany, K., & Lionetti, F. (2021). Replication of the existence of three sensitivity groups in a sample of German adolescents. European Journal of Developmental Psychology, 18(1), 131–143. DOI: 10.1080/17405629.2020.1763791.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Tillmann, T., El Matany, K., & Duttweiler, H. (2018). Measuring Environmental Sensitivity in Educational Contexts: A Validation Study With German-Speaking Students. Journal of Educational and Developmental Psychology, 8(2), 17. DOI: 10.5539/jedp. v8n2p17.
Crossref   Google Scholar

Þ´orarinsd´ottir, Þ. K. (2018). Psychometric Properties of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale and Its Relationship to the Big Five Personality Traits in a Sample of Icelandic University Students [Doctoral dissertation, University of Reykjavik].   Google Scholar


Opublikowane
2022-12-29

Cited By /
Share

Baryła-Matejczuk, M., Ferrer-Cascales, R., Albaladejo-Blázquez, N., Ruiz-Robledillo, N., Fernández-Alcántara , M., Rubio-Aparicio, M., Lillo-Crespo, M., & Costa-López , B. (2022). Theoretical background of high sensitivity ‒ systematic review. Przegląd Psychologiczny, 65(3), 79–96. https://doi.org/10.31648/przegldpsychologiczny.8806

Monika Baryła-Matejczuk 
Institute of Psychology and Human Sciences, WSEI University
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2321-9999
Rosario Ferrer-Cascales 
Department of Health Psychology, University of Alicante
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6015-7454
Natalia Albaladejo-Blázquez 
Department of Health Psychology, University of Alicante
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9116-9092
Nicolas Ruiz-Robledillo 
Department of Health Psychology, University of Alicante
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7522-5162
Manuel Fernández-Alcántara  
Department of Health Psychology, University of Alicante
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3481-8156
Maria Rubio-Aparicio 
Department of Health Psychology, University of Alicante
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2599-4246
Manuel Lillo-Crespo 
Department of Health Psychology, University of Alicante
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2053-2808
Borja Costa-López  
Department of Health Psychology, University of Alicante
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6658-768X