The Moderating Role of Sensory Processing Sensitivity in Social Skills Enhancement and Bullying Prevention Among Adolescents

Abstract

Bullying is a global issue that is associated with negative life outcomes. Anti-bullying programs have been shown to be effective, but with heterogeneity across studies. Thus, we examined how sensory processing sensitivity (SPS)—a biologically based trait associated with Differential Susceptibility to environmental factors—moderates the effects of a school-based, anti-bullying program. Students (301 middle-school students, M age = 12 years) in the United States underwent a 4-week anti-bullying and competency-enhancing program. They also completed competency (e.g., social skills) and bullying prevention skills measures prior to (T1) and after the intervention (T2); and the Highly Sensitive Child Scale (measure of SPS). Results of multivariate analyses revealed that youth with higher SPS showed greater increases in decision-making, media resistance, social, and bullying prevention skills at T2. Consistent with theories of Differential Susceptibility and Environmental Sensitivity, results revealed that high SPS was associated with stronger responsivity to a psychoeducational intervention, as shown by increased cognitive, social, and behavioral domain scores. Findings from the present study underscore the moderating role of SPS on factors that impact human health and development.