Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Japanese Adults

Shuhei Iimura () and Satoshi Takasugi
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Shuhei Iimura: Soka University, 1-236 Tangi-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-8577, Japan
Satoshi Takasugi: R&D Division, Meiji Co., Ltd., 1-29-1 Nanakuni, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0919, Japan

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 16, 1-15

Abstract: Background: Sensory processing sensitivity is a personality or temperamental trait defined as individual differences in the tendency to perceive and process both positive and negative stimuli and experiences. Studies have shown that high sensitivity is correlated with psychosocial health, including depression and anxiety. However, its relationship with physical health has not been clarified. To fill this gap, using a large sample size with sufficient statistical power, an adult sample not including university students, and a range of covariates, this study examined the association between gastrointestinal symptoms as an indicator of physical health and sensory processing sensitivity. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the participants were 863 Japanese adults (female = 450; male = 413; M age = 30.4 years; SD = 4.9) who completed a web-based questionnaire. We statistically controlled for sociodemographic characteristics and examined whether sensory processing sensitivity is correlated with gastrointestinal symptoms. Results: The results showed that highly sensitive individuals were more likely to experience a wide range of gastrointestinal symptoms in the past week, including reflux symptoms, abdominal pain, indigestion symptoms, diarrhea symptoms, and constipation symptoms, even when statistically controlling for the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that high sensory processing sensitivity is associated with physical health. Some of the potential causes of this are also discussed.

Keywords: sensory processing sensitivity; environmental sensitivity; highly sensitive person; gastrointestinal symptoms; physical health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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