Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Quality of Life Among Cancer Patients and Their Family Caregivers: An Actor-Partner Interdependence Model Analysis

Abstract

Objective: Studies report a negative impact of sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) on health outcomes, but evidence from patient-caregiver dyads is scarce. This study aimed to simultaneously examine the independent and interdependent impact of SPS on quality of life (QoL) among cancer patients and their family caregivers. Methods: In this two-stage random sampling cross-sectional study, we conducted a dyadic analysis of data collected from cancer patients and their family caregivers in southwest China. QoL was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument, and SPS was evaluated using the 10-item Chinese Highly Sensitive Child Scale (CHSC). The actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) was used to examine whether SPS of patients and caregivers was associated with their own and their partner's QoL. Results: Of the 733 dyads included in the analysis, patients' SPS and QoL were significantly correlated with their caregivers' SPS and QoL. The APIM identified significant actor effects, including a negative association between SPS and physical, psychological, social, and environmental QoL in both patients and caregivers. Additionally, caregivers' SPS was negatively associated with patients' psychological (β = −0.12, p < 0.01), social (β = −0.09, p < 0.05), and environmental (β = −0.1, p < 0.01) QoL. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for early identification and targeted interventions to support highly sensitive individuals within the cancer care setting. Future research should explore the effectiveness of such interventions in enhancing QoL outcomes.