Sensory processing sensitivity is associated with religiosity and spirituality

Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), a trait characterized by heightened sensitivity to subtle stimuli and arousal by external stimuli, affects approximately 15-20% of the population. While associated with potential drawbacks like increased stress, anxiety, and depression, SPS also offers advantages such as enhanced perception, creativity, and empathy. Recent research suggests a possible link between SPS and religiosity/spirituality (R/S), although scientific evidence is limited. This study aims to comprehensively explore this association by examining various dimensions of R/S, including religious attendance, religiosity, spirituality, negative religious coping (NRC), images of God, and religious conspiracy theories (RCTs). The multidimensionality of R/S, encompassing internal attitudes, experiences, and external behaviors related to a transcendent domain, necessitates an approach that considers both positive and negative aspects. Understanding this complex interplay is crucial due to the potential positive and negative impacts of R/S on health and well-being. The researchers suggest that highly sensitive individuals, due to their heightened sensitivity to internal and external stimuli, may seek meaning and solace in spiritual or religious experiences. They propose that spiritual practices like meditation may help them to manage their overstimulation.

The literature review covers the existing research on sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), religiosity, and spirituality. It highlights the multifaceted nature of religiosity, encompassing factors such as religious attendance, beliefs, and attachment to God. Different models of the God-image, ranging from loving and supportive to punitive and distant, are discussed, along with their impact on mental health. Religious coping, including both positive and negative forms, is examined. The researchers also provide background on religious conspiracy theories (RCTs) and their connection to the COVID-19 pandemic. The existing literature, while demonstrating the influence of each factor individually on well-being, lacks a comprehensive investigation of the interplay between SPS and the different dimensions of R/S, particularly in secular contexts. The study aims to address this gap in the literature by exploring various facets of R/S in relation to SPS.

This study employed data from two online surveys conducted in the Czech Republic in April 2020 and April 2021. The first sample included 1406 participants (mean age 48.1, SD=16.4, 49.4% female), while the second sample consisted of 1494 participants (mean age 50.7, SD=15.8, 44.1% female). Data collection was performed by a specialized agency, aiming for a representative sample of the Czech population. Exclusion criteria were applied to the second sample to ensure data quality. Measures included the Sensory Processing Sensitivity Questionnaire (SPSQ) to assess SPS, along with instruments to measure religious attendance, religiosity (self-identification as a believer), spirituality (Daily Spiritual Experience Scale – DSES), negative religious coping (NRC subscale of the Brief RCOPE), images of God (adapted from the Baylor Religion Survey), and religious conspiracy theories (RCTs) related to COVID-19. Binary logistic regression models, adjusted for age, gender, and education, were used to analyze associations between SPS (total SPSQ score and sensory subscale score) and the R/S variables. The data suggests that the researchers utilized both the total score from the SPSQ and a subscale focusing on sensory sensitivity in their statistical analyses. In the analysis of the God-image, items relating to how well specific adjectives described the respondent's concept of God were analyzed individually and then combined to create an overall assessment of the respondent's God-image.

The study revealed significant positive associations between SPS and several aspects of R/S. Specifically, higher SPS scores were significantly associated with higher religiosity and spirituality. A one standard deviation increase in the SPSQ total score increased the odds of being religious by 38% and spiritual by 61%. While SPS did not show a significant association with regular religious attendance, there was a positive association with negative religious coping (NRC). Individuals with higher SPS scores were more likely to perceive God as ever-present, fatherly, forgiving, gentle, loving, motherly, just, absolute, and punishing. The strongest associations were found with the perceptions of God as forgiving, gentle, and loving. However, there was no significant association between SPS and beliefs in religious conspiracy theories (RCTs) related to COVID-19. The statistical analysis included binary logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, and education, using both the total SPSQ score and a sensory subscale for assessing the relationship between SPS and R/S factors.

The findings support the hypothesis that individuals with high SPS tend to engage more deeply with religious and spiritual themes, potentially seeking meaning and coping mechanisms in these areas. The association between SPS and NRC might reflect the challenges faced by highly sensitive individuals in dealing with stress and adversity, leading to reliance on potentially maladaptive religious coping strategies. The positive associations with many aspects of God image suggest that these aspects provide comfort, support, or meaning to individuals with high SPS. However, the absence of an association with RCTs suggests that SPS may not be directly related to accepting simple solutions or embracing conspiracy theories. Further research is needed to investigate the causal nature of the relationship, explore the potential mediating role of attachment style, and examine the neural correlates of the observed associations.

This study demonstrates a significant link between SPS and various dimensions of R/S in a secular context. Higher SPS is associated with increased religiosity and spirituality, a tendency towards NRC, and specific perceptions of God. However, there's no association with RCTs. Future research should explore causal mechanisms, investigate the role of mediating variables (such as attachment style), and examine neural correlates to further elucidate the observed relationships. The study's findings can inform clinical practice by highlighting the potential importance of incorporating spiritual and religious aspects into therapeutic interventions for individuals with high SPS.

The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inferences. Self-reported data may be susceptible to response bias (social desirability). Online data collection may exclude individuals without internet access. The data were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic, which could have influenced the prevalence of religious and spiritual inclinations. The researchers mention that the pandemic may have had an effect on the results, but did not quantify or qualify this effect. Further research is needed to compare these findings in religious cultures.