Relationships of Sensory Processing Sensitivity with Creativity and Empathy in an adult sample

Introduction: Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) describes individual differences in sensitivity to environments, but there is little research on potential positive correlates of SPS. Hereby we investigate whether SPS and its Aesthetic Sensitivity (AES) component are associated with different facets of creativity and empathy.
Aims and Hypotheses
In this study, we replicate and expand previous research by studying associations of SPS and its AES subscale with two different facets of potential positive characteristics, namely creativity and empathy. To this end, we use a cross-sectional sample. The first aim (1a) was to investigate the association of SPS with two key components of creativity, namely creative ideas and creative activities. Creative ideas are usually not included in the literature (Silvia et al., 2012) when measuring everyday creativity. It is, however, an important addition because deeper processing, a central characteristic of SPS, could possibly lead to creative ideas. The second aim (2a) was to evaluate the relation of SPS with empathy and its components affective and cognitive empathy and emotional disconnection. As subaims, we studied associations of the AES subscale of the SPS total score with the creativity variables (aim 1b) and empathy variables (aim 2b), correcting for openness to experience and the other SPS subscales LST and EOE, in order to study independent contributions of AES.
We hypothesized that SPS total score (H1a) and its AES subscale (H1b) would be related to more creative ideas and creative activities. We further hypothesized that the SPS total score (H2a) and its AES subdimension (H2b) would be related to more empathy , as well its affective and cognitive empathy subcomponents and less emotional disconnection. This study provides new insights into potential positive aspects of SPS, which may have practical implications for strengthening the well-being of highly sensitive people.
This cross-sectional survey used an online questionnaire distributed in two ways. Firstly, via the personal network of the first author using social media and email and secondly, via flyers with a QR code to the questionnaire were distributed to individuals working in private practices providing psychological or coaching services and specializing in high sensitivity support across all regions of the Netherlands. These includedvarious practices which focused on helping highly sensitive individuals in areas like work, study, and relationships. The flyers were intended for display in waiting areas or direct distribution to relevant clients.