Convergent validity of two adult self‐report sensory scales: Comparing the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile and the Sensory Processing Measure 2–Adult Form

Abstract Introduction Occupational therapists use standardised scales and measures to assess an individual's sensory processing factors. To date, few studies have investigated the correlations between the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (A/ASP) and the Sensory Processing Measure 2–Adult Form (SPM‐2‐Adult). The aim of the project is to investigate the association between the sensory processing factors measured by the A/ASP and SPM‐2‐Adult when completed by the same group of adult participants, with an additional research question investigating whether any significant differences existed between sensory processing scores based on participants' self‐reported gender identity. Methods Forty‐two adults aged 18–30 completed the A/ASP and the SPM‐2‐Adult. Associations between the A/ASP quadrant and the SPM‐2‐Adult subscales were examined using Spearman's rho correlation coefficients, and differences between participants based on their self‐reported gender identity were investigated using Mann–Whitney U tests. Results Statistically significant correlations were obtained between the A/ASP Low Registration, Sensory Sensitivity, and Sensation Avoiding quadrant subscales and all nine of the SPM‐2‐Adult subscales ranging from weak (rho = 0.342, p < 0.027) to strong (rho = 0.790, p < 0.001) correlations. The A/ASP Sensation Seeking quadrant subscale was only significantly correlated with the SPM‐2‐Adult Social Participation subscale (rho = −0.416, p = 0.006). Three subscales had statistically significant differences based on gender identity: SPM‐2‐Adult Vision ( p = 0.007), SPM‐2‐Adult Sensory Total ( p = 0.048), and A/ASP Sensory Sensitivity ( p = 0.043). Consumer and Community Involvement Consumers and community members were not involved in the design, execution, or write‐up of the study results. Conclusion The A/ASP and the SPM‐2‐Adult had several subscales that were significantly correlated with one another. Of note, significant associations were achieved between the A/ASP Low Registration, Sensory Sensitivity, and Sensation Avoiding quadrant subscales and all nine of the SPM‐2‐Adult subscales. These findings make a significant preliminary contribution to the psychometric body of evidence related to the sensory processing assessment of adults.