THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SENSORY PROCESSING PATTERNS AND DEPRESSION IN ADULTS

Abstract

Considering the high prevalence of depressive symptoms in adults, this study aimed at exploring the relationship between depression and sensory processing patterns in healthy adults. For this purpose, a number of 354 university students aged 20-45 years completed the PROMIS® Depression Item bank and Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile®. The findings showed that there was a positive significant relationship between three of the sensory processing patterns and depression, including sensation avoiding, sensory sensitivity, and low registration and a negative significant relationship between depression and sensation seeking. As a conclusion, sensory processing patterns might be related to individuals’ depression. Having insight into their sensory patterns can help them to reduce their depressive symptoms. This study may have implications for mental health professionals.