Exploring the Multidimensional Structure of Sensory Processing Sensitivity in Turkish Samples


ŞENGÜL İNAL G., SÜMER N.

CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY, vol.39, no.1, pp.194-206, 2020 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 39 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2020
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s12144-017-9751-0
  • Journal Name: CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, BIOSIS, Business Source Elite, Business Source Premier, Psycinfo
  • Page Numbers: pp.194-206
  • Keywords: Sensory-processing sensitivity, Highly sensitive person scale, Exploratory structural equation modeling, Confirmatory factor analysis, TEMPERAMENTAL SENSITIVITY, PERSON SCALE, BIG 5, COMPONENTS, RESPONSES, TRAIT
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

We compared alternative models to explore the multidimensionality of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS; Aron and Aron 1997) on two Turkish samples. Using exploratory factor analysis, first study (N = 412) yielded four factors representing diverse domains of sensory processing sensitivity (SPS). Using both traditional confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM), a second study (N = 341) confirmed the multidimensionality of the HSPS, and demonstrated that the four-factor ESEM solution (sensitivity to external stimuli, aesthetic sensitivity, harm avoidance, and sensitivity to overstimulation) was superior to the previously reported alternative models. Four factors were also systematically associated with the external validators including big five personality traits. Findings suggested that a multifaceted approach to SPS representing domain-specific sensitivities is needed.