LINK BETWEEN SENSORY PROCESSING SENSITIVITY AND SELF-ESTEEM USING THE EXAMPLE OF A GROUP OF POLISH ADOLESCENTS
LINK BETWEEN SENSORY PROCESSING SENSITIVITY AND SELF-ESTEEM USING THE EXAMPLE OF A GROUP OF POLISH ADOLESCENTS

Summary/Abstract: Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is considered to be a genetically determined personality trait characterized by sensitivity to both internal and external stimuli. Numerous studies have demonstrated that high sensitivity itself is not a disorder, however, in negative, unfavourable conditions it may be correlated with numerous difficulties. The present study attempts to validate whether SPS coexists with self-esteem which may be understood as an evaluative component of the self-concept. A group of 92 adolescents aged from 18-19 years took part in the study and the variables were measured with the use of questionnaires, such as the Multidimensional Self-Esteem Inventory(MSEI) and the abbreviated Polish version of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale. For the verification of the hypothesis concerning the existence of a relationship between SPS and general self-esteem, correlations were established with the use of the Spearman’s rho coefficient. The results of the research indicate the occurrence of statistically significant correlations between SPS and general self-esteem, a sense of competence, a sense of being loved, popularity, leadership skills, self-control, vitality, identity integration and defensive enhancement of self-esteem. It has been concluded that the provision of adequate support for highly sensitive people may be crucial for the active collection, processing and the integration of personal information, coming both from the external environment and from self-observation.

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