Date Presented 03/22/24
This study explored sensory processing patterns of a diverse college population today. Findings indicate diversity in sensory processing and support the need for varied sensory-informed learning and living environments to support student success.
Primary Author and Speaker: Alexis Viray
Additional Authors and Speakers: Teresa Sharkey Eustace, Brittany Dreyhaupt, Hogai Balouch, Catherine Cavaliere
Contributing Authors: John A. Damiao
PURPOSE: Diversity on college campuses has steadily increased. Included in this diversity are varied ways of processing information. This study sought to explore the sensory processing patterns of college students using the Adult and Adolescent Sensory Profile (AASP).
DESIGN: This study used an exploratory quantitative design. Data was collected over three years with 3 separate cohorts from 2020-2022 (n=161). The AASP was used to profile students sensory processing patterns. Data was analyzed in aggregate using descriptive statistics.
RESULTS: Findings indicate that the sensory processing patterns among today’s college students are diverse. Compared to the normative sample of the AASP, a greater number of participants in this study fell outside of the similar to most category. The normative sample data of the AASP aligns with a normal distribution, indicating that most of their sample fell within 68.2% of the bell curve. Our sample did not follow this distribution (low registration 52.6%; sensation seeking 57.7%; sensory sensitivity 67.1%; and sensation avoiding 58.4%) Each quadrant also resulted in standard deviations much greater than ± 2 as is indicated in a normal distribution. The standard deviations of our sample ranged from 6.7-8.3, indicating broader ranges of sensory processing patterns.
CONCLUSION: College students today demonstrate a broad range of sensory processing. This may reflect the greater diversity among students on college campuses. Occupational therapists can play a vital role in supporting student success in higher education by using their knowledge of sensory processing to adapt and create learning and living environments which are inclusive of all ways of sensory processing.
IMPACT STATEMENT: Today’s college students demonstrate a broad range of sensory processing. Occupational therapists are uniquely equipped to ensure higher education environments support the varied ways of sensory processing and thus support student success.
References
Nelson, K., Cavaliere, C., Constenla, L., Brosnan, S., Brehmer, O., & Schurm. (2022). Impact of sensory processing preferences on first-year college students’ success. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(Supplement 1), https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2022.76S1-PO47
Pearson. (2008). Adult Adolescent Sensory Profile Technical Report [Image]. Adult Adolescent Sensory Profile. http://images.pearsonassessments.com/images/tmrs/tmrs_rg/AD_Adult_SP_TR_Web.pdf?WT.mc_id=TMRS_Adolescent_Adult_Sensory_Profile
Clince, M., Connolly, L., & Nolan, C. (2016). Comparing and Exploring the Sensory Processing Patterns of Higher Education Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 70(2), 7002250010p1–7002250010p9. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2016.016816
