Sensory Processing, Perceived Stress and Burnout Symptoms in a Working Population during the COVID-19 Crisis

Abstract

Although previous research suggests an association between sensory processing and perceived stress in a broad spectrum of mental health conditions, it remains unclear whether this phenomenon occurs independently from psychopathology. The present study investigated the association between sensory processing patterns, perceived stress and occupational burnout as a stress-related condition in a working population. We focused on different aspects of sensory processing and used the momentum of a particularly stressful period: during the first months of the global COVID-19 crisis. A total of 116 workers at a mental healthcare institution in The Netherlands completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT). Our results demonstrated that higher scores on sensory sensitivity and low registration were associated with higher scores on perceived stress and core burnout symptoms. Sensory hypersensitivity was also associated with more secondary burnout symptoms. Associations were not driven by underlying sensory-related disorders (e.g., ASD or ADHD). In conclusion, sensory processing difficulties are relevant predictors of stress and occupational burnout, also in healthy employees. This phenomenon warrants further attention, as relatively simple adjustments in working environment may possess important preventive effects.

The Feasibility of the Thai Sensory Profile Assessment Tool (TSPA) for Classifying the participants for Mind-Body intervention

“…This person may be classified as a kind of ‘sensory avoidance’ Although there are no particular aroma sensory stimuli in either relaxation on-site or MBFP, this personality show blunted response which is different from the peer. This person also has a high score of burnout (11), which is coherent with the previous study’s finding that those with sensory avoidance have a high level of work-related burnout (3). In addition, those with high movement preference and moderate sensory threshold show a ‘reverse’ pattern contrast with the first group.…”

“…The recent systematic reviews showed personal sensory processing patterns influence quality of life(1) and the effectiveness of mental health intervention(2). Sensory processing refers to a person’s ability to take in, organize and respond to sensory information in the context of the environment(3). The sensation is an objective and simple conscious experience associated with stimuli.…”

“…For example, some individuals like to work in quiet surroundings, and others may like to work while wearing headphones with rap music playing loudly (2). Sensory processing refers to a person's ability to take in, organize and respond to sensory information in their environment (3). The development of adult sensory profile has been reported by Chung et al and classified into four categories: auditory, visual, taste/smell, touch, movement, and activity level.…”

How are you coping? Stress, coping, burnout, and aggression in forensic mental healthcare workers

“…The current study used data from Dutch workers at a larger mental healthcare organization, collected during the first months of the global COVID-19 pandemic. In a previous manuscript, we described that sensory processing difficulties were related to stress and burnout in this sample and concluded that changes in sensory stimuli may be a way to influence stress and burnout symptoms in workers ( van den Boogert et al, 2022 ). The present study’s primary main aim was to investigate whether coping modifies the associations between perceived stress and burnout and/or aggression outcomes in forensic mental healthcare workers.…”