Measuring Physiological Responses to Sensation in Typical Adults

Objective: Sensory processing issues can have a negative impact on the ability to participate in daily occupations such as ADLs, access to work, school and leisure environments, and social interactions (Dunn, 2001). The evidence documenting sensory processing issues in adults is sparse. Physiological information can be used as objective evidence to support the claim that those with over-responsivity to sensations are experiencing their environment differently than the typical population. Understanding more about sensory processing in adults may lead to increased recognition of the problem and more opportunities for intervention to increase occupational participation. The purpose of this quantitative study is to compare the physiological responses to sensation in people who self-report as high in sensory sensitivity, to people who self-report as low in sensory sensitivity. Method: A quasi-experimental design was used to compare physiological responses to sensation using a Sensory Challenge Protocol between adults who reported HIGH sensory responsiveness versus LOW sensory responsiveness on the Adolescent and Adult Sensory Profile assessment (AASP). Physiological response included electrodermal responses (EDR). Results: No significant differences were shown between experimental and control groups in EDR responses to stimuli. Lack of significance may be due to two factors: wide variability in the LOW group and a possible suppression effect by the HIGH group. There were significant correlations between AASP scores of low registration and sensory sensitive, sensory avoidant quadrants and a sensory defensive composite for the HIGH group supporting the idea that people who have sensory sensitivities may also suppress their responses to sensation. However, the MEASURING PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES ix HIGH groups also had larger EDR responses to more the salient sensations, such as the sound of a lawn mower, the feeling of a feather, and the smell of camphor. Conclusion: There are differential, meaningful patterns observed in how people with sensory sensitivities are responding to sensations. There is high variability in individuals’ personal understanding of their own sensory sensitivities and what sensory stimuli they are responding to. Therefore, it is important to know and understand what people in the general population do to cope because overtime it can lead to maladaptive behaviors in daily functioning. MEASURING PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES x Acknowledgements From our team: First, we would like to thank our brilliant advisor, Julia Wilbarger, Ph.D, OTR/L, Dominican University Associate Professor and department chair for her unwavering guidance and support. Julia’s expertise and passion for the field of occupational therapy and sensory processing inspired us to complete this capstone thesis. Thank you Joanne Figone, OTR/L and second reader, for your expertise, feedback and direction. We would also like to thank Barbara McCamish, MSN, MPT, RN, CNL, CHSE, and Manager Clinical Simulation Center at Dominican University, for her assistance with our lab equipment and for her encouragement. Lastly, we would like to show our appreciation to our participants who volunteered their time and efforts in our study. We could not have accomplished this project without all of you! Personal Acknowledgements: We would like to thank our family and friends for their unconditional love and support. We are forever grateful for their patience and compassion throughout the completion of our thesis. Thank you to the Dominican University faculty, staff, students, and friends for your encouragement. Finally, we would like to thank each other! Our team consistently supported one another and was dedicated toward accomplishing our thesis. We each contributed unique aspects to our group dynamic and collaboratively we overcame obstacles with humor and chocolate. We could not have asked for a better team and are honored to have been able to work with each