Sensory Processing Sensitivity and the Subjective Experience of Parenting: An Exploratory Study

Objective To explore the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) and parental subjective experience (PSE). Background SPS is a temperament trait characterized by greater sensitivity to environmental and social stimuli; no previous research has examined the relation of SPS to PSE (e.g., how much parents feel parenting is difficult or feel connected to their child). Method In the first of two online studies, mothers were unaware of the study's relation to SPS (N = 92). In the second, mothers (n = 802) and fathers (n = 65) were recruited through an SPS-related website. SPS was assessed by the short version of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale; PSE by 27 items with three components-Parenting Difficulties, Good Coparenting Relationship, and Attunement to Child. Results Controlling or not for external stressors, negative affectivity, children's age, and socioeconomic status, high-SPS mothers in both studies scored meaningfully higher on Parenting Difficulties and Attunement to Child; high-SPS fathers scored higher on Attunement to Child. SPS had little association with Coparenting Relationship. Conclusion Parents high in SPS report more attunement with child, although mothers found parenting more difficult. Implications This information could aid family researchers, particularly by considering the role of adult temperament. It also suggests that interventions focused on high-SPS parents could improve their parenting experience and hence perhaps enhance child development. Thus, this research and what may follow from it could advance both theory and practice.