Relations between sensory-related factors and stress in autistic and non-autistic adults

Background: There is emerging empirical evidence indicating that differences in self-reported sensory processing may be associated with differences in levels of stress in adult populations. Parenting often comes with increased sensory stimulation, such as noise or tactile stimulation. Therefore, responsivity to sensory stimuli could be a risk factor for parenting stress. Autistic parents and Highly Sensitive Persons (HSP) may be particularly at risk of elevated parenting stress, given their pronounced sensory sensitivity. Aims: The overarching aim of this thesis portfolio is to explore the relations between sensory-related factors and stress in autistic and non-autistic adults. A secondary aim was to explore relations between the constructs of HSP and autism. Systematic Review: The systematic review aimed to synthesise and summarise the available evidence examining the association between self-reported sensory processing and self-reported stress in adult populations. Twenty studies, both qualitative and quantitative, were assessed for quality and the results analysed using narrative synthesis. Overall, the evidence is strong for an association between differences in sensory processing and self-reported stress in adults, across a range of populations and measures of stress. Greater sensory sensitivity was consistently associated with higher levels of stress in cross-sectional studies. Longitudinal studies are lacking. Empirical study: This quantitative, cross-sectional study aimed to examine the role sensory-related factors play in predicting parenting stress in autistic and non-autistic parents. A total of 104 parents completed measures of autistic traits, sensory processing sensitivity, sensory processing difficulties and parenting stress. Data were analysed statistically using t-tests, correlational, and regression analysis. Autistic parents and HSP parents had higher levels of levels of parenting stress than non-autistic and non-HSP parents. Sensory-related factors predicted parenting stress in autistic and non-autistic parents. Conclusions: Findings from this research support the significance of sensory processing in contributing to stress in adults. Hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli was also found to contribute to stress in the parenting role. Individuals who have heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as autistic individuals and HPSs, were found to experience elevated parenting stress.

Grantor dc:publisher

University College Cork

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Harrold, Aine

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Setti, Annalisa
• Keating, Kim
• Larkin, Fionnuala

• Stress
• Sensory processing
• Highly Sensitive Person
• Adult
• Wellbeing

Statement dc:rights

• © 2024, Aine Harrold.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10468/16469

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:cora.ucc.ie:10468/16469