Emotion regulation goals and strategies among individuals with varying levels of sensory processing sensitivity: a latent profile analysis

Background: Emotion regulation (ER) has emerged as a significant factor influencing the well-being of individuals with high sensory processing sensitivity (SPS). However, the interaction between SPS and the underlying mechanisms of ER remains largely unexplored. Objective: This study aimed to (a) identify profiles of SPS and ER competency using a latent profile analysis (LPA), and (b) investigate the ER goals and strategy use among each profile to better understand ER patterns in highly sensitive individuals with lower ER proficiency. Methods: A total of 813 Chinese college students (mean age = 21.53 ± 2.48; 74.41% female) completed the Highly Sensitive Person Scale, 16-item Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, Emotion Regulation Goals Scale, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and the rumination subscale from the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Results: The LPA identified three profiles: “Low SPS - High ER Competency” (41%), “Moderate SPS - ER Competency” (41%), and “High SPS - Low ER Competency” (18%). ER goals varied significantly among these groups. The “High SPS - Low ER Competency” group predominantly pursued contra-hedonic goals and impression management goals, while the “Low SPS - High ER Competency” group focused on pro-hedonic goals. In terms of strategies, the “Low SPS - High ER Competency” group mainly used cognitive reappraisal, the “Moderate SPS - ER Competency” group leaned towards suppression, and the “High SPS - Low ER Competency” group preferred rumination and suppression. Conclusion: Higher SPS combined with lower ER proficiency is linked to an increased pursuit of contra-hedonic goals and impression management goals, and a reliance on response-focused strategies. This pattern offers new insights for developing psychological support strategies for highly sensitive individuals experiencing mental distress.

Yiran Liu, Feng Tian