The Role of Sensory Processing Sensitivity in Emotional Regulation among Young Adult Population

Abstract

Sensory Processing sensitivity (SPS) along with emotional regulation difficulties, and their interaction with stressful periods, such as young adulthood (i.e. ages 18–25), may represent a time when such stressors may reduce emotional and social functioning in this population. It is important to understand this relationship as maladaptive SPS and emotional dysregulation have been associated with increased stress, anxiety, and even clinical disorders. The present study aims to examine the relationship between Sensory processing sensitivity and Emotional regulation in young adult population using a quantitative study design to determine the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and emotional regulation, with sensory processing as the independent variable and emotional regulation as the dependent variable. The hypothesis suggested that there will be significant negative relationship between the two variables where a higher SPS will be associated with a lower level of emotional regulation. The findings of this study conducted on 100 young adults using standardised tests, Highly sensitive person questionnaire (HSPQ) by Elaine Aron and Emotional Regulation questionnaire by Gross and John align with the proposed hypothesis and revealed a significant relationship between SPS and Emotional Regulation as predicted by the values of coefficient . This suggests that higher sensory processing is associated with lower emotional regulation abilities. The Beta coefficient of -0.203 indicate a small but negative relationship between the two variables. The findings of this study are important to highlight the importance of SPS in the emotional conduct of an individual, especially a young adults.