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Sensory Processing Sensitivity Questionnaire: A Psychometric Evaluation and Associations with Experiencing the COVID-19 Pandemic

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  • Klara Malinakova

    (Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacký University Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic)

  • Lukas Novak

    (Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacký University Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic)

  • Radek Trnka

    (Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacký University Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic
    Department of Science, Prague College of Psychosocial Studies, Hekrova 805, 149 00 Prague, Czech Republic)

  • Peter Tavel

    (Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacký University Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic)

Abstract

Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is a common human neurobiological trait that is related to many areas of human life. This trait has recently received increased public interest. However, solid scientific research on SPS is lagging behind. Progress in this area is also hindered by a lack of comprehensive research tools suitable for a rapid assessment of SPS. Thus, the aim of this study was to offer a newly developed tool, the Sensory Processing Sensitivity Questionnaire (SPSQ), and to assess its psychometric properties and associations with emotional and relational variables measured during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We found the tool to have good psychometric characteristics: high temporal stability ( r = 0.95) and excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.92; McDonald’s ω = 0.92). The fit of the SPSQ bi-factor model was satisfactory: χ 2 (88.0) = 506.141; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.993; TLI = 0.990; RMSEA = 0.070; SRMR = 0.039. Testing of configural, metric, scalar and strict invariance suggested that the SPSQ assesses SPS equivalently between males and females. The scale’s validity was supported via a strong association with an existing SPS measure. Further, we observed higher total SPSQ scores among women, students and religious respondents, and we found that more sensitive respondents reported higher feelings of anxiety and more deterioration in relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, this study also identifies people with this trait as being potentially more vulnerable during periods of an increased presence of global stressors.

Suggested Citation

  • Klara Malinakova & Lukas Novak & Radek Trnka & Peter Tavel, 2021. "Sensory Processing Sensitivity Questionnaire: A Psychometric Evaluation and Associations with Experiencing the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:24:p:12962-:d:697879
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Radka Zidkova & Klara Malinakova & Jitse P. van Dijk & Peter Tavel, 2021. "The Coronavirus Pandemic and the Occurrence of Psychosomatic Symptoms: Are They Related?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-12, March.
    3. Nick Chater, 2020. "Facing up to the uncertainties of COVID-19," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 4(5), pages 439-439, May.
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    1. Marie Buchtova & Klara Malinakova & Jitse P. Dijk & Vit Husek & Peter Tavel, 2024. "Sensory processing sensitivity is associated with religiosity and spirituality," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-8, December.

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