Analysis of sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) with achievement motivation/intrinsic-extrinsic (AM/IAM-EAM) and self-esteem (S-E) in university students

Background and aim: There is growing scientific interest in knowing more about highly sensitivity persons (HSP) within the new personality trait called sensory processing sensitivity (SPS). The aim of this work is to analyze that trait, in relation to general achievement motivation (AM) and AM divided into intrinsic-extrinsic (IAM-EAM), and self-esteem (S-E), as well as their relationship with sociodemographic variables. Method: 158 university students (Mage = 20.61; SD = 4.179; women 75.9%) answered three scales: HSPS-S (Chacón et al., 2021), CLAMS/IAM-EAM (Cassidy & Lynn, 1989; Story et al.., 2009) and RSES (Martín-Albo et al., 2007). Student's t-test, ANOVAS, correlations, and mediation analysis were applied. Results: They showed a medium level profile in SPS and AM, and a medium-high level in S-E; in addition, a negative correlation between HSP and S-E, and another positive one between AM and S-E were found. The higher the family income, the higher the S-E and in HSP, the higher AM without grant. EAM and its dimensions of acquisitiveness, competitiveness and status aspiration were greater in HSP. IAM and mastery, dominance and status aspiration were greater when S-E was high. S-E was lower in HSP, and this, in turn, resulted in a lower IAM and EAM. Conclusions: This group of students shows how S-E is a key mediating variable in HSP, as well as AM/IAM-EAM, and its multidisciplinary study should be expanded, given its influence on well-being and quality of life and, furthermore, it should be analyzed in childhood, adolescence, middle age and old age.