Document Type

Scholarship Project

Publication Date

2024

College/Unit

School of Medicine

Department/Program/Center

Occupational Therapy

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals do not have to have a disability to be diagnosed to experience a sensory difference. These differences include high and low thresholds and active and passive responses to these thresholds. The four categories include low registration, sensory seeking, sensory sensitivity, and sensory avoidance. These sensory differences can affect temperament and personality, mental health, quality of life, coping, and other areas. Methods: The research was completed at the Health Science Center at West Virginia University. Students (n=51) in graduate programs within the university completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile and Brief COPE survey as well as demographic questions. Results: Seventeen students scored more than most for low registration and 7 scored much more than most in this category on the Sensory Profile. Most students scored in more than one sensory difference categories. ADHD/ADD was the most prevalent diagnosis reported. The most prevalent coping style seen was problem-based. Discussion: The biggest correlation found in the study was the relationship between low registration sensory processing style and the diagnosis of ADHD/ADD which is consistent with the evidence found in the literature review. Although the most prevalent coping mechanism was problem-based, there was no relationship between coping and any of the sensory differences.

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