Assessing Health-Related Quality of Life Outcomes Through Sensory Modulation Profiles in Adults with Atypical Sensory Processing: A Cross-Sectional Study
Open AccessAuthors
-
Patricija Goubar
Alma Mater Europaea
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7420-9460
-
Tomaž Velnar
Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6283-4348
Keywords:
Sensory Modulation Disorder, Sensory Integration Dysfunction, Sensory Processing Disorder, Health-Related Quality of Life, Health Status Indicators, Adults, SF-36 Questionnaire, Cross-Sectional StudyAbstract
Background: Sensory integration dysfunction (SID) often involves sensory modulation difficulties that can significantly impair daily functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults. Despite its prevalence, the relationship between sensory modulation profiles and HRQoL in adults with SID remains underexplored. Understanding this link is essential for developing targeted interventions to address diverse symptom profiles.
Objectives: This study examined the association between sensory modulation difficulties and multiple HRQoL dimensions in adults with SID.
Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study included 86 adults aged 23–54 years, divided into two groups: adults with SID and healthy controls. Sensory modulation was assessed using the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile Questionnaire, and HRQoL was measured with the SF-36 instrument. Statistical analyses included the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Pearson’s correlation. The null hypothesis tested for no differences in HRQoL scores between groups.
Results: Significant differences were found between groups across all eight SF-36 domains and the overall HRQoL score (p < 0.001), with controls consistently scoring higher in each domain. Correlation analyses showed no significant associations between HRQoL outcomes and demographic variables (age, gender).
Conclusion: These findings confirm a strong association between SID and reduced HRQoL in adults, affecting both physical and mental health. The consistent impact across age and gender groups highlights the importance of personalized therapeutic approaches.
Downloads
Metrics
References
Ayres, A. J. (1966). Interpreting sensory integrative dysfunction. Western Psychological Services.
Ayres, A. J. (1979). Sensory integration and the child. Western Psychological Services.
Bar-Shalita, T., Vatine, J. J., Seltzer, Z., Parush, S., & Yarnitsky, D. (2019). Sensory modulation disorder: A risk factor for chronic pain and disability. Pain Practice, 19(2), 158–167. https://doi.org/10.1111/papr.12728 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/papr.12728
Brietzke, A. P., Antunes, G. F., Oliveira, A. B., & Souza, A. (2019). Neurobiology of pain and sensory modulation disorder: A narrative review. Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology, 69(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjane.2018.06.005 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjane.2018.06.005
Brown, C., & Dunn, W. (2002). Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile: User's manual. Psychological Corporation. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/t56705-000
Bundy, A. C., Lane, S. J., & Murray, E. A. (2002). Sensory integration: Theory and practice (2nd ed.). F. A. Davis.
Bundy, A. C., Lane, S. J., & Scholz, D. S. (2022). Sensory processing in everyday life: Current perspectives. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, Article 922871. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.922871
Carrillo-de-la Peña, M. T., Beltrán, C., & González, J. C. (2006). QEEG activation patterns associated with the perception of pain. The Spanish Journal of Psychology, 9(2), 229–237. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1138741600005960
Davies, P. L., & Gavin, W. J. (2007). Validating the diagnosis of sensory processing disorders using EEG technology. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61(2), 176–189. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.61.2.176 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.61.2.176
Davies, P. L., & Tucker, R. (2010). Sensory processing sensitivity and anxiety in adults. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 26(2–3), 102–120. https://doi.org/10.1080/01642121003785956
Davies, P. L., Reesman, J., & Gavin, W. J. (2022). Measuring sensory modulation in adults: Toward integrative models. Journal of Occupational Science, 29(3), 348–359. https://doi.org/10.1080/14427591.2022.2061712
Dunn, W. (1997). The impact of sensory processing abilities on the daily lives of young children and their families: A conceptual model. Infants & Young Children, 9(4), 23–35. https://doi.org/10.1097/00001163-199704000-00005 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/00001163-199704000-00005
Engel-Yeger, B., & Dunn, W. (2011). Exploring the relationship between sensory processing patterns and anxiety level of healthy adults. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(5), 210–216. https://doi.org/10.4276/030802211X13182481841868 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4276/030802211X13046730116407
Geisser, M. E., Glass, J. M., Rajcevska, L. D., Clauw, D. J., Williams, D. A., Kileny, P. R., & Gracely, R. H. (2008). A psychophysical study of auditory and pressure sensitivity in patients with fibromyalgia and healthy controls. Journal of Pain, 9(5), 417–422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2007.12.003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2007.12.006
Gracely, R. H., Petzke, F., Wolf, J. M., & Clauw, D. J. (2002). Functional magnetic resonance imaging evidence of augmented pain processing in fibromyalgia. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 46(5), 1333–1343. https://doi.org/10.1002/art.10225 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/art.10225
Hunt, J. I., Meyer, B., & Kesterson, J. (2002). Anxiety disorders and sensory defensiveness in adults. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 18(1), 649–659. https://doi.org/10.1300/J004v18n01_07
Inagaki, H., Ohashi, Y., & Shinohara, K. (2024). Age-related decline in sensory integration and its association with brain functional connectivity: A population-based neuroimaging study. Neurobiology of Aging, 131, 23–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2024.02.007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2024.02.007
Khalsa, S. S., Lapidus, R. C., & Tsakiris, M. (2018). Interoception and mental health: A roadmap. Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, 3(6), 501–513. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2017.12.002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2018.04.007
Kinnealey, M., Koenig, K. P., & Smith, S. (2011). Relationships between sensory modulation and social supports and health-related quality of life. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 65(3), 320–327. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2011.001370 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2011.001370
Kinnealey, M., Oliver, B., & Wilbarger, P. (1995). A phenomenological study of sensory defensiveness in adults. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 49(5), 444–451. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.49.5.444 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.49.5.444
Kosek, E., Ekholm, J., & Hansson, P. (1996). Sensory dysfunction in fibromyalgia patients with implications for pathogenic mechanisms. Pain, 68(2–3), 375–383. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0304-3959(96)03223-3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0304-3959(96)03188-0
Lane, S. J., Miller, L. J., & Hanft, B. E. (2000). Toward a consensus in terminology in sensory integration theory and practice: Part 2: Sensory integration patterns of dysfunction. Sensory Integration Special Interest Section Quarterly, 23(2), 1–3.
Lane, S. J., Reynolds, S., & Thacker, L. (2010). Sensory over-responsivity and ADHD: Differentiating using electrodermal responses, cortisol, and anxiety. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, 4, Article 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnint.2010.00008 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnint.2010.00008
Liss, M., Timmel, L., Baxley, K., & Killingsworth, P. (2005). Sensory processing sensitivity and its relation to parental bonding, anxiety, and depression. Personality and Individual Differences, 39(8), 1429–1439. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2005.05.007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2005.05.007
Miller, L. J., Anzalone, M. E., Lane, S. J., Cermak, S. A., & Osten, E. T. (2007). Concept evolution in sensory integration: A proposed nosology for diagnosis. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61(2), 135–140. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.61.2.135 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.61.2.135
Neal, J. A., Heller, S. S., & Nilsen, D. M. (2023). Adult sensory processing and psychosocial functioning: A systematic review. Occupational Therapy International, 2023, Article ID 6671682. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/6671682
Pfeiffer, B. A., & Kinnealey, M. (2003). Treatment of sensory defensiveness in adults. Occupational Therapy International, 10(3), 175–184. https://doi.org/10.1002/oti.183 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/oti.184
Pfeiffer, B. A., Kinnealey, M., Reed, C., & Herzberg, G. (2005). Sensory modulation and affective disorders in children and adolescents with Asperger's disorder. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 59(3), 335–345. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.59.3.335 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.59.3.335
Rodrigues, M. A., Martins, J. C. A., Ferreira, G. R., & Brandão, M. B. (2021). Sensory processing sensitivity and quality of life: A systematic review. BMC Psychology, 9(1), Article 152. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-021-00644-2
Salatino, C., & Schmidt, L. A. (2023). Integrating sensory processing in adult mental health: A review of assessment and intervention models. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 39(2), 110–128. https://doi.org/10.1080/0164212X.2023.2172390
Sallee, F. R., & March, J. S. (2001). Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. Medical Clinics of North America, 85(4), 90–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0025-7125(05)70354-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511663239.006
Schaaf, R. C., & Mailloux, Z. (2015). Clinician’s guide for implementing Ayres Sensory Integration: Promoting participation for children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(1), 166–174. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2193-0
Schoen, S. A., Miller, L. J., & Green, K. E. (2014). Pilot study of the Sensory Processing Scale: Assessing information processing in children. Journal of Child and Adolescent Behavior, 2(5), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.4172/2375-4494.1000199 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/t61117-000
Seth, A. K., Suzuki, K., & Critchley, H. D. (2011). An interoceptive predictive coding model of conscious presence. Frontiers in Psychology, 2, Article 395. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2011.00395 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2011.00395
van den Boogert, F., Klein, K., Spaan, P., Sizoo, B., Bouman, Y. H. A., Hoogendijk, W. J. G., & Roza, S. J. (2022). Sensory processing difficulties in psychiatric disorders: A meta-analysis. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 151, 173–180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.04.020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.04.020
Ware, J. E., & Sherbourne, C. D. (1992). The MOS 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36): I. Conceptual framework and item selection. Medical Care, 30(6), 473–483. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005650-199206000-00002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/00005650-199206000-00002
Wilbarger, J., & Cook, D. (2011). Sensory defensiveness in adults. In D. A. Brown & T. M. Stoffel (Eds.), Occupational therapy in mental health (pp. 105–124). Slack Incorporated.
Wilbarger, P., & Wilbarger, J. (1991). Sensory defensiveness in children aged 2–12: An intervention guide for parents and other caretakers. Avanti Educational Programs.
Yamada, Y., Kanai, C., Iwanami, A., Sugiyama, T., & Tani, M. (2017). Neural correlates of sensory processing sensitivity: An fMRI study. Scientific Reports, 7, Article 40028. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep40028 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/srep40028
Downloads
Published
Versions
- 03.08.2025 (2)
- 31.07.2025 (1)
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Patricija Goubar, Tomaž Velnar
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Citations
