Sensory-Processing Sensitivity and Communication Apprehension: Dual Influences on Self-Reported Stress in a College Student Sample

This study investigated the influence of sensory-processing sensitivity on communication apprehension scores and self-reported stress levels of college students (N = 304). Two path models detailing relations among the variables were compared and findings were threefold. First, as self-report sensory-processing sensitivity increased so did self-reported communication apprehension. Second, as sensory-processing sensitivity increased so did perceived college stress, most noticeably academic stress. Third, sensory-processing sensitivity accounted for a greater amount of variance in self-reported stress than communication apprehension. Implications for future research regarding the impacts of sensory-processing sensitivity on communication are discussed.