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


Abstract

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. 


Keywords:

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

Supporting Agencies

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.


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Published
2022-12-29

Cited by

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. The Review of Psychology, 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