Research Article
BibTex RIS Cite

Relationship Between Sensory Profile and Academic Achievement in University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 1, 98 - 104, 20.03.2025

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between sensory profile and academic achievement in university students. This cross sectional study was conducted with 252 university students (80 female and 172 male). The Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile Questionnaire was used to assess the sensory processing characteristics of students. The grade point average used as a measure of academic achievement of students. All statistical analyses were conducted using the SPSS software (version 22.0). The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between sensory profile and grade point average of students. A significant negative correlation was found between the grade point average and low registration (r=-0.358), sensory sensitivity (r=-0.244), and sensory avoiding (r=-0.246) quadrants of the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile of university students. Students classified in the 'low registration,' 'sensory sensitivity,' and 'sensation avoidance' quadrants of Dunn’s sensory processing model exhibit significantly lower academic performance compared to their peers. Considering the impact of students' academic success in university on their future careers, the importance of identifying sensory processing issues becomes apparent. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of sensory processing on academic success and to develop interventions that can help students overcome these challenges.

Ethical Statement

Ethical approval (protocol number: 2024/927) was granted by the Gazi University Ethics Committee and institutional permission was secured from the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University.

References

  • Ahadi, B., & Basharpoor, S. (2010). Relationship between sensory processing sensitivity, personality dimensions and mental health. Journal of Applied Sciences, 10(7), 570–574.
  • Ayres, A. J. (1979). Sensory integration and the child (1st ed.). Western Psychological Services.
  • Bagus, K. (2012). The relationship between sensory integrative profiles and academic achievement of first-year health sciences students at the University of the Western Cape (Doctoral dissertation). University of the Western Cape. Retrieved from https://uwcscholar.uwc.ac.za/items/662f133c-01c4-4bb6-bbcf-1baf5d5b94f2
  • Ben-Avi, N., Almagor, M., & Engel-Yeger, B. (2012). Sensory processing difficulties and interpersonal relationships in adults: An exploratory study. Psychology, 3(1), 70–77. https://doi.org/10.4236/psych.2012.31012
  • Brown, C., Tollefson, N., Dunn, W., Cromwell, R., & Filion, D. (2001). The adult sensory profile: Measuring patterns of sensory processing. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55(1), 75–82. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.55.1.75
  • Butera, C., Ring, P., Sideris, J., Jayashankar, A., Kilroy, E., Harrison, L., ... & Aziz‐Zadeh, L. (2020). Impact of sensory processing on school performance outcomes in high functioning individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Mind, Brain, and Education, 14(3), 243–254.
  • Dunn, W. (2001). The sensations of everyday life: Empirical, theoretical, and pragmatic considerations. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55(6), 608–620. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.55.6.608
  • Dunn, W. (2007). Supporting children to participate successfully in everyday life by using sensory processing knowledge. Infants & Young Children, 20(2), 84–101. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.IYC.0000264477.05076.5d
  • Dunn, W., & Bennett, D. (2002). Patterns of sensory processing in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Occupation, Participation and Health, 22(1), 4–15. https://doi.org/10.1177/153944920202200102
  • Engel-Yeger, B., & Dunn, W. (2011). The relationship between sensory processing difficulties and anxiety level of healthy adults. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(5), 210–216. https://doi.org/10.4276/030802211X13046730116407
  • Faure, M., & Richardson, A. (2012). Baby sense: Understanding your baby’s sensory world-the key to a contented child (2nd ed.). Metz Press.
  • Ghanizadeh, A. (2011). Sensory processing problems in children with ADHD: A systematic review. Psychiatry Investigation, 8(2), 89–94. https://doi.org/10.4306/pi.2011.8.2.89
  • Howe, F. E., & Stagg, S. D. (2016). How sensory experiences affect adolescents with an autistic spectrum condition within the classroom. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46, 1656–1668.
  • Jones, E. K., Hanley, M., & Riby, D. M. (2020). Distraction, distress and diversity: Exploring the impact of sensory processing differences on learning and school life for pupils with autism spectrum disorders. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 72, 101515.
  • Khodabakhsh, S., Loh, S. C., & Rosli, N. A. (2020). Relationship between neurological threshold in sensory profile, depression, and anxiety among adults. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 28(1).
  • Lee, L., Ho, H.-J., & Bhargavi, V. (2022). An examination of the effects of figure notes on sensory processing and learning behaviors of young children. Pegem Journal of Education and Instruction, 12(1), 56–73. https://doi.org/10.47750/pegegog.12.01.06
  • Lee, Y. J., Kim, G. Y., Kim, L. J., et al. (2017). Correlation of sleep and sensory processing patterns with university students. The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration, 15(1), 33–45.
  • Liss, M., Mailloux, J., & Erchull, M. J. (2008). The relationships between sensory processing sensitivity, alexithymia, autism, depression, and anxiety. Personality and Individual Differences, 45(3), 255–259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2008.04.009
  • Little, L. M., Dean, E., Tomchek, S. D., & Dunn, W. (2017). Classifying sensory profiles of children in the general population. Child Care Health and Development, 43(1), 81–88. https://doi.org/10.1111/cch.12391
  • Meredith, P. J., Bailey, K. J., Strong, J., & Rappel, G. (2016). Adult attachment, sensory processing, and distress in healthy adults. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 70(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2016.017281
  • Mishra, S. (2020). Social networks, social capital, social support, and academic success in higher education: A systematic review with a special focus on ‘underrepresented’ students. Educational Research Review, 29, 100307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2019.100307
  • Najimi, A., Sharifirad, G., Amini, M. M., & Meftagh, S. D. (2013). Academic failure and students’ viewpoint: The influence of individual, internal, and external organizational factors. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 2, 22. https://doi.org/10.4103/2277-9531.112698
  • Salehi Sadati, S. S., Hasani Helm, A., Mortazavi, Z., et al. (2022). Relationship between sensory processing patterns and critical thinking in students. Strides in Development of Medical Education, 19(1), 44–50. https://doi.org/10.22062/sdme.2021.91789
  • Schober, P., Boer, C., & Schwarte, L. A. (2018). Correlation coefficients: Appropriate use and interpretation. Anesthesia & Analgesia, 126(5), 1763–1768. https://doi.org/10.1213/ANE.0000000000002864
  • Serafini, G., Gonda, X., Canepa, G., et al. (2017). Extreme sensory processing patterns show a complex association with depression, and impulsivity, alexithymia, and hopelessness. Journal of Affective Disorders, 210, 249–257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2016.12.037
  • Yano, K., Kase, T., & Oishi, K. (2021). Sensory processing sensitivity moderates the relationships between life skills and depressive tendencies in university students. Japanese Psychological Research, 63(3), 152–163. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpr.12285
  • van der Linde, J., Franzsen, D., & Barnard-Ashton, P. (2013). The sensory profile: Comparative analysis of children with specific language impairment, ADHD, and autism. South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 43(3), 34–40.
  • van der Wurff, I., Meijs, C., Hurks, P., et al. (2021). The influence of sensory processing tools on attention and arithmetic performance in Dutch primary school children. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 209, 105143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jecp.2021.105143
  • Üçgül, M. Ş., Karahan, S., & Öksüz, Ç. (2017). Reliability and validity study of Turkish version of adolescent/adult sensory profile. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 80, 510–516. https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022617700650

Üniversite Öğrencilerinde Duyu Profili ve Akademik Başarı Arasındaki İlişki: Bir Kesit Çalışması

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 1, 98 - 104, 20.03.2025

Abstract

Bu çalışma, üniversite öğrencilerinde duyusal profil ile akademik başarı arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemeyi amaçlamıştır. Kesitsel olarak gerçekleştirilen bu çalışma, 80’i kadın ve 172’si erkek olmak üzere toplam 252 üniversite öğrencisi ile yürütülmüştür. Öğrencilerin duyusal işlem özelliklerini değerlendirmek için Ergen/Yetişkin Duyusal Profil Anketi kullanılmıştır. Öğrencilerin akademik başarı ölçütü olarak ise not ortalaması kullanılmıştır. Tüm istatistiksel analizler SPSS (sürüm 22.0) yazılımı ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Duyusal profil ile öğrencilerin not ortalaması arasındaki ilişkiyi belirlemek için Pearson korelasyon katsayısı kullanılmıştır. Üniversite öğrencilerinin Ergen/Yetişkin Duyusal Profili’nde “düşük kayıt” (r=-0.358), “duyusal hassasiyet” (r=-0.244) ve “duyusal kaçınma” (r=-0.246) kadranları ile not ortalaması arasında anlamlı bir negatif korelasyon bulunmuştur. Dunn’ın duyusal işleme modelinde “düşük kayıt,” “duyusal hassasiyet” ve “duyusal kaçınma” kadranlarına sınıflandırılan öğrenciler, akranlarına göre anlamlı ölçüde daha düşük akademik performans sergilemektedir. Üniversitede öğrencilerin akademik başarısının gelecekteki kariyerlerine etkisi göz önüne alındığında, duyusal işlem sorunlarının belirlenmesinin önemi ortaya çıkmaktadır. Duyusal işlemenin akademik başarı üzerindeki uzun vadeli etkilerini keşfetmek ve öğrencilerin bu zorlukları aşmalarına yardımcı olacak müdahaleler geliştirmek için daha fazla araştırmaya ihtiyaç vardır.

References

  • Ahadi, B., & Basharpoor, S. (2010). Relationship between sensory processing sensitivity, personality dimensions and mental health. Journal of Applied Sciences, 10(7), 570–574.
  • Ayres, A. J. (1979). Sensory integration and the child (1st ed.). Western Psychological Services.
  • Bagus, K. (2012). The relationship between sensory integrative profiles and academic achievement of first-year health sciences students at the University of the Western Cape (Doctoral dissertation). University of the Western Cape. Retrieved from https://uwcscholar.uwc.ac.za/items/662f133c-01c4-4bb6-bbcf-1baf5d5b94f2
  • Ben-Avi, N., Almagor, M., & Engel-Yeger, B. (2012). Sensory processing difficulties and interpersonal relationships in adults: An exploratory study. Psychology, 3(1), 70–77. https://doi.org/10.4236/psych.2012.31012
  • Brown, C., Tollefson, N., Dunn, W., Cromwell, R., & Filion, D. (2001). The adult sensory profile: Measuring patterns of sensory processing. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55(1), 75–82. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.55.1.75
  • Butera, C., Ring, P., Sideris, J., Jayashankar, A., Kilroy, E., Harrison, L., ... & Aziz‐Zadeh, L. (2020). Impact of sensory processing on school performance outcomes in high functioning individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Mind, Brain, and Education, 14(3), 243–254.
  • Dunn, W. (2001). The sensations of everyday life: Empirical, theoretical, and pragmatic considerations. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55(6), 608–620. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.55.6.608
  • Dunn, W. (2007). Supporting children to participate successfully in everyday life by using sensory processing knowledge. Infants & Young Children, 20(2), 84–101. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.IYC.0000264477.05076.5d
  • Dunn, W., & Bennett, D. (2002). Patterns of sensory processing in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Occupation, Participation and Health, 22(1), 4–15. https://doi.org/10.1177/153944920202200102
  • Engel-Yeger, B., & Dunn, W. (2011). The relationship between sensory processing difficulties and anxiety level of healthy adults. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(5), 210–216. https://doi.org/10.4276/030802211X13046730116407
  • Faure, M., & Richardson, A. (2012). Baby sense: Understanding your baby’s sensory world-the key to a contented child (2nd ed.). Metz Press.
  • Ghanizadeh, A. (2011). Sensory processing problems in children with ADHD: A systematic review. Psychiatry Investigation, 8(2), 89–94. https://doi.org/10.4306/pi.2011.8.2.89
  • Howe, F. E., & Stagg, S. D. (2016). How sensory experiences affect adolescents with an autistic spectrum condition within the classroom. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46, 1656–1668.
  • Jones, E. K., Hanley, M., & Riby, D. M. (2020). Distraction, distress and diversity: Exploring the impact of sensory processing differences on learning and school life for pupils with autism spectrum disorders. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 72, 101515.
  • Khodabakhsh, S., Loh, S. C., & Rosli, N. A. (2020). Relationship between neurological threshold in sensory profile, depression, and anxiety among adults. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 28(1).
  • Lee, L., Ho, H.-J., & Bhargavi, V. (2022). An examination of the effects of figure notes on sensory processing and learning behaviors of young children. Pegem Journal of Education and Instruction, 12(1), 56–73. https://doi.org/10.47750/pegegog.12.01.06
  • Lee, Y. J., Kim, G. Y., Kim, L. J., et al. (2017). Correlation of sleep and sensory processing patterns with university students. The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration, 15(1), 33–45.
  • Liss, M., Mailloux, J., & Erchull, M. J. (2008). The relationships between sensory processing sensitivity, alexithymia, autism, depression, and anxiety. Personality and Individual Differences, 45(3), 255–259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2008.04.009
  • Little, L. M., Dean, E., Tomchek, S. D., & Dunn, W. (2017). Classifying sensory profiles of children in the general population. Child Care Health and Development, 43(1), 81–88. https://doi.org/10.1111/cch.12391
  • Meredith, P. J., Bailey, K. J., Strong, J., & Rappel, G. (2016). Adult attachment, sensory processing, and distress in healthy adults. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 70(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2016.017281
  • Mishra, S. (2020). Social networks, social capital, social support, and academic success in higher education: A systematic review with a special focus on ‘underrepresented’ students. Educational Research Review, 29, 100307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2019.100307
  • Najimi, A., Sharifirad, G., Amini, M. M., & Meftagh, S. D. (2013). Academic failure and students’ viewpoint: The influence of individual, internal, and external organizational factors. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 2, 22. https://doi.org/10.4103/2277-9531.112698
  • Salehi Sadati, S. S., Hasani Helm, A., Mortazavi, Z., et al. (2022). Relationship between sensory processing patterns and critical thinking in students. Strides in Development of Medical Education, 19(1), 44–50. https://doi.org/10.22062/sdme.2021.91789
  • Schober, P., Boer, C., & Schwarte, L. A. (2018). Correlation coefficients: Appropriate use and interpretation. Anesthesia & Analgesia, 126(5), 1763–1768. https://doi.org/10.1213/ANE.0000000000002864
  • Serafini, G., Gonda, X., Canepa, G., et al. (2017). Extreme sensory processing patterns show a complex association with depression, and impulsivity, alexithymia, and hopelessness. Journal of Affective Disorders, 210, 249–257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2016.12.037
  • Yano, K., Kase, T., & Oishi, K. (2021). Sensory processing sensitivity moderates the relationships between life skills and depressive tendencies in university students. Japanese Psychological Research, 63(3), 152–163. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpr.12285
  • van der Linde, J., Franzsen, D., & Barnard-Ashton, P. (2013). The sensory profile: Comparative analysis of children with specific language impairment, ADHD, and autism. South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 43(3), 34–40.
  • van der Wurff, I., Meijs, C., Hurks, P., et al. (2021). The influence of sensory processing tools on attention and arithmetic performance in Dutch primary school children. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 209, 105143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jecp.2021.105143
  • Üçgül, M. Ş., Karahan, S., & Öksüz, Ç. (2017). Reliability and validity study of Turkish version of adolescent/adult sensory profile. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 80, 510–516. https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022617700650
There are 29 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Higher Education Studies (Other)
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Müşerrefe Nur Keleş 0000-0001-8274-8212

Publication Date March 20, 2025
Submission Date November 2, 2024
Acceptance Date December 2, 2024
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 8 Issue: 1

Cite

APA Keleş, M. N. (2025). Relationship Between Sensory Profile and Academic Achievement in University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of University Research, 8(1), 98-104.

Articles published in the Journal of University Research (Üniversite Araştırmaları Dergisi - ÜAD) are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License 32353.