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The assessment and treatment of sensory defensiveness in adult mental health: a literature review
- Author:
- ABERNETHY Helga
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 73(5), May 2010, pp.210-218.
- Publisher:
- Sage
The aim of this literature review was to explore the nature of the relationship between sensory defensiveness and mental health problems. Sensory defensiveness is the most commonly found sensory modulation problem. A person is sensory defensive if they experience the fight/flight reaction to a sensation that other people do not experience as harmful. Various online bibliographical databases were searched for articles on adult mental health and sensory defensiveness. Six papers were selected, all of which described qualitative studies. These were analysed by identifying and discussing the common themes that emerged. The literature indicated that sensory defensiveness can have a detrimental effect on quality of life experiences. It can have an impact on functional abilities, behaviour, emotions and mental health. The coping strategies that people develop to deal with sensory defensiveness add to the negative impact on their quality of life. From the limited literature available, it was found that the treatment of sensory defensiveness delivered positive results. This review highlights the importance of recognising and treating sensory defensiveness. It also highlights the lack of literature available in this area.