Exploring the relationship between affect and sensory processing patterns in adults

Purpose: Growing evidence exists regarding the relationship between sensory processing and affective disorders. However,most of this evidence relates to children. This study aimed to explore the relationship between positive/negative affect and sensory processing patterns as expressed in daily situations among healthy adults. Procedure: Two hundred and thirteen healthy individuals aged 18-50 years completed the Adolescent /Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Results: Negative affect correlated positively with Sensory Sensitivity, Sensation Avoiding and Low Registration. Positive affect correlated with Sensation Seeking. Conclusion: Sensory processing patterns might be related to the person's affect. In practical terms, this relationship among typical individuals suggests that people could benefit from knowledge about the impact of their sensory processing patterns on everyday life or, in some cases, from occupational therapy intervention. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to elucidate this relationship and its impacts on participation, quality of life and wellbeing.