A psychometric evaluation of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale in ethnically and culturally heterogeneous South African samples

Abstract

Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) is a personality trait that describes highly neurosensitive individuals who, for better and for worse, are permeable to their environmental context. Recently, these individuals have been noted for their amenability to positive intervention efforts-an observation that may have important psychosocial value. SPS is currently assessed through the 27-item Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS). However, this instrument has not been adequately scrutinised in cross-cultural samples, and has generated varied factor solutions that lack consistent support. We assessed the HSPS in South African university student samples which were ethno-culturally diverse, across four academic years (n = 750). The HSPS demonstrated strong reliability across samples (α > .84). Factor analysis revealed a novel five-factor solution (Negative Affect, Neural Sensitivity, Propensity to Overwhelm, Careful Processing and Aesthetic Sensitivity). As per previous reports, latent class analysis suggested a three class solution. We validated these findings in a general population sample that was part of the longitudinal Birth to Twenty Plus cohort (n = 1400). In conclusion, we found the HSPS to be reliable in culturally diverse samples. The instrument remains a robust tool for identifying sensitive individuals and may be an important addition to psychosocial studies in low-to-middle income countries.

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ORCID for Shane A. Norris: orcid.org/0000-0001-7124-3788

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