Subjective sensory sensitivities as a transdiagnostic experience: characterisation, impact, and the development of the Cardiff Hypersensitivity Scale

Price, Alice Jane ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8577-7294 2023. Subjective sensory sensitivities as a transdiagnostic experience: characterisation, impact, and the development of the Cardiff Hypersensitivity Scale. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Subjective sensory sensitivity refers to first person reports of experiencing sensory information as aversive, distracting, or overwhelming. Precursors to the experience occur across sensory modalities, ranging from bright lights and loud noises to rough fabrics and strong tastes. Study of subjective sensitivities commonly focuses on specific groups; for example, sensitivities are well studied in individuals with autism. This thesis sought to extend this work, and reports that subjective sensitivities are both present and cross-modal in a range of diagnoses and areas of neurodiversity, and in the general population. Similarities and differences in the nature of experience across groups is considered, and the implications for our understanding of mechanism are described. Throughout empirical chapters, the role and relevance of anxiety to the occurrence of subjective sensitivities is also explored, with results suggesting a possible pivotal role for somatic anxiety symptoms. Beyond characterizing these experiences, thematic analysis was also used to understand the impact of subjective sensitivities, and participants described varied and extensive effects upon daily functioning, personal relationships, and wellbeing. Exacerbating factors and associated coping mechanisms were also defined to ultimately support the need for enhanced understanding and support for sensory differences in clinical management (where appropriate) but additionally in educational, healthcare, and commercial settings. Finally, investigation into possible subtypes of subjective visual sensitivities using a novel self-report measure is described. Across four large samples, four highly replicable factors of visual sensitivity were found using bifactor modelling of the newly developed Cardiff Hypersensitivity Scale (visual). This has clear implications for existing measures which often use only a limited number of items to assess what appears to be a multidimensional construct and provides a useful tool for future work to investigate causes and correlates of these experiences.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Psychology
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	25 April 2024
Last Modified:	30 Apr 2024 01:27
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/168347

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