Exploring Sensory Preferences Among Community-Dwelling Individuals Living With Mental Health Disorders

Jennifer Gardner, Margaret Swarbrick, Danielle Kearns, Leanne Suero, Pamela Harder, Emily Moscoe, K. Patrick O'toole, John Rutledge

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study explored the sensory preferences of adults with mental health disorders who attend peer-led community wellness centers in the northeastern United States. Participants (N = 55) completed a demographic survey and the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile. The participants scored significantly higher in the quadrants of low registration (p = .042), sensory sensitivity (p = .039), and sensation avoiding (p = .010). Individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder I scored significantly higher in the quadrants of sensory sensitivity (p = .039) and sensation avoiding (p = .021). These findings enhance the understanding of sensory preferences among community dwelling individuals diagnosed with a mental health disorder attending peer-led community wellness centers. This information can help healthcare professionals, including mental health care practitioners and peer providers, better support individuals who have sensory regulation challenges.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)381-398
Number of pages18
JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Volume21
Issue number3-4
StatePublished - 2018

Keywords

  • mental health disorder
  • peer wellness centers
  • sensory processing

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